Digital Forensic Analyst in Sheffield

Location: Ecclesfield, Sheffield

Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

In this role you will provide support to police investigations by securing and retrieving data from digital devices in accordance with national guidelines.

Key responsibilities:

• Secure and retrieve evidence from a range of digital devices including mobile phones and computers in accordance with digital forensic unit (DFU) SOPs, ISO17025 Standards and Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) Codes of practice, utilising a range of forensic software and techniques.
• Process and analyze recovered data in line with DFU SOPs, ISO17025 standards, FSR Codes of practice and industry recognised forensics software and techniques.
• Present findings and specialist interpretation of evidence obtained in a format easily understood by Investigating Officers, CPS and the Courts.
• Attendance at Court to present findings and evidence in a clear and comprehensible manner.
• Recording of contemporaneous notes of all actions taken during analysis and examinations in line with ACPO Principles, ISO17025 standards, FSR Codes of practice.
• Achieve and maintain competency for accredited processes within DFU in line with the ISO17025 accreditation.
• Mentor and support digital forensic technicians and where required other newly appointed staff members, including analysts, technicians, and admin staff.
• Perform supervisory peer review/quality assurance on work undertaken by other analysts/technicians within the DFU.
• Follow the career development plan, as outlined for the role.
• Provide technical support for Officers attending the unit to view and where necessary, grade data extracted from digital devices.
• Assist Officers in the execution of search warrants and provide specialist advice and guidance on the correct methods of seizing and removing digital devices.
• Give presentations and briefings as appropriate, in support of investigations, including providing practical advice and guidance to officers on matters relating to digital forensic investigations.
• Research, test and where appropriate recommend the implementation of new products/techniques within the industry, as directed by senior digital forensic analysts or the DFU management team.
• Carry out any necessary tasks in support of ISO accreditation such as internal audits or assisting with method validation, under the direction of the ISO Quality Manager/Technical Manager.
• Support digital forensic projects and training, such as mobile phone kiosk implementation and digital forensic awareness to other units within the Force.
• Develop and maintain specialised and up-to-date technical knowledge of digital forensic procedures, keeping abreast of developments within the industry.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure effective knowledge sharing and assist officers in creating digital forensic examination strategies.
• Conduct other associated tasks considered appropriate given the rapid changes in technology.

Due to the nature of the work undertaken by DFU, the successful candidate will require physical and emotional resilience to be able to deal with material of a distressing nature including child sexual abuse material on a regular basis. The successful candidate will be required to undergo regular compulsory OHU assessments.

Skills and experience:

• QCF Level 6 (degree) relevant qualification or equivalent industry training.
• Excellent understanding of IT hardware/software, including PC architecture, maintenance, operation, connectivity and builds and an awareness of relevant digital forensic guidelines and legislation, including ACPO, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Principles of Human Rights, Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act.
• Understanding of the processes, procedures and best practice guidance underpinning the examination of digital devices and excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present findings in a clear concise manner to Officers, Staff and the Courts.
• An awareness of different digital device operating systems and be able to deal with material of a distressing nature and undergo regular compulsory OHU Assessments.
• An awareness of forensic hardware and software.
• An awareness of ISO standards and the impact of these on Digital Forensic Investigations and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview.

What we offer:

• A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working.
• A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust.
• Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police.
• Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice.
• Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme.
• Committed to embedding sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025.
• Membership to the Sports and Social Club.
• Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks.

Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which must be taken into account for individuals applying to work with South Yorkshire Police in any capacity. A minimum checkable history of 5 years is required for this role and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure is a pre-requisite of employment with South Yorkshire Police.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates. It is really important to us that the department represents the community we serve, in order for us to provide the best service, utilising a range of backgrounds, experience and skills. We support and value all officers and staff and the unique experiences they bring to the role. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from these valuable underrepresented groups. If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.

In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours.

Candidate Information:

Please note that, should you be successful at the interview stage and before appointment, the relevant pre-employment checks are required. These include references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria check.

For further information about the role, please contact: Sophie Greenfield or James Goddard on 0114 2921707.

Closing Date: 25th March 2026. Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and agreement is made between the Recruitment Manager and the Line Manager for the role.