Criminal Enforcement Officer, Outreach & Innovation

Description

We are currently looking for an ‘Outreach and Innovation’ Criminal Enforcement Officer to join our Criminal Enforcement Unit Function within the Safety & Surveillance group.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity. The role is a home-based role but will require occasional travel to 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) is the dedicated law enforcement function of the MHRA. Its strategic aim is to reduce and eliminate offences involving medicines and medical devices, protecting public health and maintaining confidence in the UK's regulatory framework.

The Unit investigates serious and organised crime linked to the illegal manufacture, importation and supply of medicines and medical devices, using intelligence-led approaches to identify threats and target those who seek to profit from criminality. We work closely with law enforcement, government, regulatory and international partners to protect the public and safeguard the integrity of the UK's medicines and medical devices supply chains.

The Unit comprises a highly skilled multidisciplinary workforce with experience drawn from policing, Regional Organised Crime Units, the National Crime Agency, intelligence, regulatory enforcement and other specialist disciplines. The CEU consists of seven teams, each reporting to a Grade 7 Senior Manager. These teams are aligned to one of two Commands: Intelligence and Innovation, and Investigation and Disruption. Each is led by a Head of Command, who reports directly to the Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement.

Working in the CEU offers the opportunity to contribute directly to protecting public health, tackling crime, and making a tangible impact on the safety of patients and the wider public.

What’s the role?

The ‘Outreach and Innovation’ Criminal Enforcement Officer role is a HEO grade working within the Analysis, Outreach and Business Support team. Their core responsibilities are to:

• Support activities that prevent, disrupt and reduce medicines and medical devices-related offending.

• Deliver work to a high professional standard and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

• Work effectively with colleagues across the Criminal Enforcement Unit and wider Agency to achieve shared objectives.

• Lead or contribute to projects and initiatives that improve operational effectiveness and organisational performance.

• Adapt to changing priorities and support different areas of work as required.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the development and delivery of strategic partnerships and multi-agency collaboration, contributing to partnership-focused law enforcement activity.

• Support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the operational effectiveness of the CEU and wider Agency.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will:

• Have recent experience working within a law enforcement or similarly complex regulatory environment.

• Have experience developing and maintaining effective partnerships, including working collaboratively with external organisations and across multi-agency environments.

• Have experience contributing to projects or initiatives that support innovation, continuous improvement or enhanced operational effectiveness.

• Be able to work effectively within a dynamic operational environment.

• Hold a full UK driving licence.

• Be able to undertake manual lifting and handling activities, where required as part of the role.

Person Specification:

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview

Behaviour Criteria:

• Working Together (I)

• Changing and Improving (I)

• Managing a Quality Service (I)

Experience Criteria:

• Assessing information and making evidence-based decisions in support of operational objectives (A, I)

• Contributing to operational activity, projects or initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• Delivering and supporting the use of strategic partnerships and multi-agency collaboration (A, I).

• Understanding the benefits of innovation and continuous improvement to enhance operational effectiveness (A, I).

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences (A, I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! (specifically, Experience, Technical 1, Technical 3c)

Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of: Recent experience, gained within a law enforcement or similarly complex regulatory setting.

Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

Use of AI in Job Applications

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: 7 September 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 September 2026 onwards

Interview date: 5 October 2026 onwards

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contactcareers@mhra.gov.uk.

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

info@csc.gov.uk

Civil Service Commission

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