Senior Audio-Visual Practitioner - Stratford Regional Centre - Westfield Avenue

About the job

Discover what it's like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here. HMRC is the UK's tax, payments and customs authority and we have a vital purpose: we collect the money that pays for the UK's public services and help families and individuals with targeted financial support.

Covert Operations, Digital Exploitation (CODE) sits within HMRC's wider Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) responsible for the department's civil and criminal investigation work. FIS ensures that HMRC has an effective approach to taking on the most serious tax evasion and fraud. Working across Law Enforcement and government, CODE provides investigative tools and covert techniques to front-line investigations and works with key partners to develop and provide access to new technology and systems to enable investigators to respond to serious and complex tax evasion and crime.

Cybercrime & Forensic Services (C&FS) provides critical support to FIS investigations nationally through the provision of important forensic services. From supporting warrant executions to the preservation and analysis of digital evidence. This is a unique opportunity to be responsible for critical elements of our Audio-Visual Forensic Service provided to HMRC's investigation teams. You will ensure that all aspects of Audio-Visual Forensic work are carried out to the highest standard, adhering to forensic strategy and principles, and meeting Forensic Science Regulator requirements.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in delivering and shaping critical elements of HMRC's Audio Visual (AV) Forensic Service, supporting investigation teams across the organisation. The role is responsible not only for high quality forensic delivery, but also for contributing to the governance, development and continuous improvement of AV evidence systems, equipment and workflows, ensuring they are applied consistently and compliantly across operational activity.

You will ensure that all aspects of Audio-Visual Forensic work are carried out to a high standard, adhering to forensic strategy and meeting the requirements of the Forensic Science Regulator and ISO aligned standards. You will lead and develop junior colleagues, providing specialist guidance across acquisition, forensic analysis and presentation of evidence, while also supporting the effective use of AV systems and processes across the wider business. As well as providing consultant level services on Forensic Strategy and technical problem solving.

On-site operations, such as search warrants, are an important part in HMRC's enforcement work, here the investigation teams will benefit from your experience dealing with frontline challenges and assisting with the forensic aspects of fast-paced operational work.

Person specification

The responsibilities of this role will include:

• Lead and manage the Audio-Visual Forensics team, setting direction, prioritising workload and ensuring delivery aligns with organisational objectives.
• Oversee the end-to-end processing of analogue and digital material, including acquisition, enhancement, editing and production of audio, video and photographic evidence for use within the Criminal Justice System.
• Provide technical leadership and expert advice on complex forensic and evidential issues, supporting investigators and senior stakeholders to make informed decisions under operational pressure.
• Contribute to the governance, configuration and effective use of AV evidence systems and platforms, including the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), ensuring data integrity, appropriate access, auditability and compliance with evidential standards.
• Manage forensic exhibits throughout their lifecycle, maintaining continuity, security and confidentiality at all times.
• Apply and actively promote Digital Forensic best practice, including compliance with ISO 17025:2017 and the Forensic Science Regulator's Codes of Practice.
• Deliver evidence in court as a professional witness, providing clear, objective and defensible testimony.
• Act as a senior point of contact for AV forensic matters, maintaining effective relationships with investigators, operational teams and stakeholders.
• Operate effectively in a fast paced environment, managing multiple concurrent priorities and ensuring delivery to required timescales.
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of improvements in AV forensic capability, systems and equipment, supporting efficient and effective service delivery.
• Support resource planning and the effective use of specialist equipment and systems, providing input into capability requirements, prioritisation and value for money considerations.
• Mentor and develop Audio Visual Forensic Practitioners, building capability within the team and promoting best practice across the organisation.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in a relevant technical discipline e.g. IT, Forensics, Technology or equivalent strong demonstrable experience.
• Experience leading an operational or technical team.
• Working knowledge of forensic audio and video techniques, from acquisition through to enhancement.
• Ability to conduct and oversee analysis of audio and video evidence, producing reports suitable for evidential and legal use.
• Experience presenting complex technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences, including senior stakeholders and court settings.
• Practical application of evidence handling, continuity, quality standards, and relevant regulation (including FSR Codes of Practice and ISO 17025).
• Sound judgement and decision-making in high-risk or time-critical environments, with accountability for outcomes.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures and relevant legislation, including IPA, RIPA, DPA, HRA and CPIA, with an understanding of disclosure obligations.

Training Requirements:

Applicants will be required to be cleared by an occupational health assessment to be able to attend a Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) course. Successful completion of the PPST is required to undertake duties away from the office for this role. Failure to pass and maintain the PPST certificate may affect receipt of the flexibility.