Support Officer

Tactical Collection Support Officer – National Crime Agency

Employer: National Crime Agency (NCA)
Salary: £37,428 per annum
Additional Allowance: £4,379 London Weighting for roles based in Kingston upon Thames (Tolworth)
Location: Bristol, Kingston upon Thames (Tolworth), Tamworth and Warrington
Job Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working and Job Share
Job Grade: Executive Officer / NCA Grade 5
Number of Vacancies: 1
Reference: 488213
Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm
Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert.

Job Overview

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is recruiting a Tactical Collection Support Officer to join its Forensic Services Digital Innovation team.

The successful candidate will support the development, maintenance and delivery of the agency’s Digital Forensic Tactical Collection capabilities.

The role involves providing technical support for mobile device examination equipment, assisting investigators and colleagues, maintaining quality standards and ensuring compliance with forensic procedures.

This is an opportunity for someone with an IT or technical background who is interested in digital forensics, technology and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the NCA’s national Tactical Collection mobile device examination kiosks.
• Monitor and respond to technical queries received through email and telephone.
• Provide advice and guidance to investigators and trained operators.
• Coordinate training and competency assessments for kiosk-trained staff.
• Conduct routine quality assurance checks to maintain staff competence.
• Support compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.
• Help develop, implement and maintain quality standards, policies and procedures.
• Work with forensic and investigation teams to promote the use of Tactical Collection capabilities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support improvements in digital forensic processes, automation and cloud technology adoption.

Requirements and Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet the following essential qualification requirements:

• A degree, HND or HNC in Computing or an equivalent Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subject; OR
• An equivalent technical qualification, such as BTEC Higher Nationals (HNC Level 4 or HND Level 5) or a Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6 or Level 7).

Important: Applications from candidates who do not meet the qualification requirements will not progress.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Confidence using Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn new applications.
• Ability to extract, interpret and analyse data and produce statistical reports.
• Good customer service and technical support skills.
• Strong organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills and an interest in improving digital forensic capabilities.

Desirable Criteria

• Foundation-level certification in Digital Forensics or equivalent experience.

This criterion will only be used in the event of a tie-break.

Salary and Benefits

The successful candidate will receive:

• Annual salary of £37,428.
• Additional London Weighting of £4,379 for eligible roles based in Tolworth.
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 26 days of annual leave, increasing to 31 days after five years of continuous service.
• Eight bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing, subject to business requirements.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Family-friendly employment policies.
• Interest-free loans and advances, including season tickets and childcare support.
• Housing schemes and Key Worker status.
• Staff support networks and social activities.
• Discounts through various employee reward schemes.

Working Arrangements

The position is advertised as permanent, with full-time, part-time, flexible working and job-share arrangements available, subject to business requirements.

The role is based at one of the advertised locations: Bristol, Kingston upon Thames (Tolworth), Tamworth or Warrington.

Application and Selection Process

Recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, assessing experience, behaviours and technical skills.

Application Assessment

Applicants must provide 250-word examples demonstrating:

• Proven ability to respond to customers and provide professional technical support.
• Experience planning and prioritising work to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information or data.

Applications will be assessed by a recruitment panel.

Where application numbers are high, the NCA may introduce a longlisting stage. The lead criterion will be professional technical support to customers.

Interview Assessment

Successful applicants will be assessed against:

• Working Together.
• Managing a Quality Service.
• Commitment to improving culture within a team.
• Professional technical support to customers.
• Planning and prioritising work.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Candidates may be placed on a reserve list for up to 12 months if successful but no immediate vacancy is available.

Successful applicants will also be required to pass security vetting and pre-employment checks.

Eligibility and Security Requirements

The vacancy is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, certain Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, and other groups meeting the Civil Service nationality requirements.

Successful candidates must meet the required Security Check (SC) vetting standard.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official National Crime Agency recruitment portal before the closing date.

Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Further Information:
Applicants can contact the NCA recruitment team at central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk.