Communications Data Unit SPoC Officer

Government Recruitment Service; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A government service department in the UK is seeking an accredited Single Point of Contact (SPoC) to support criminal investigations through lawful data acquisition under the Investigatory Powers Act. The role involves ensuring compliance, mentoring staff, and delivering training sessions. This unique position offers opportunities for impact and personal growth while maintaining work-life balance, with occasional travel required.

Qualifications

• Experience in compliance and legal processes related to data acquisition.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to mentor others.
• Knowledge of Investigatory Powers Act and data protection regulations.

Responsibilities

• Review and ensure compliance of communications data applications.
• Coach and mentor other SPoCs and service users.
• Design and deliver national training sessions on IPA processes.
• Contribute to service design and continuous improvement in data applications.
• Act as a role model and lead with strong leadership skills.

Skills

Criminal investigation support

Training and mentoring

Compliance evaluation

Communication skills

Job description

Do you have an inquisitive mind and a passion for protecting the public? Do you enjoy working with others to solve complex problems? If so, we need you!

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s largest public service department, responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy. Within DWP, Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt (CFCD) plays a critical role in reducing fraud, error, and debt in the benefit system—safeguarding taxpayer money and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.

As part of CFCD’s Communications Data Unit (CDU), you’ll be at the forefront of criminal investigations, using powers under the Investigatory Powers Act to acquire communications data lawfully and ethically. You’ll act as a Single Point of Contact (SPoC), ensuring data requests meet strict legal standards, supporting investigators, and helping shape how we tackle fraud across the department.

This is a unique opportunity to join a team that values continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration. If you're looking for a role that offers variety, impact, and the chance to grow your career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, CFCD is the place for you.

This role sits within the Communications Data Unit (CDU), a vital part of enhancing criminal investigations through the lawful acquisition of Communications Data (CD) under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). As a Single Point of Contact (SPoC), you will act as a guardian and gatekeeper, ensuring all requests for data are lawful, necessary, and proportionate.

Key Responsibilities

• SPoC Accreditation & Data Assurance - Perform the role of an accredited SPoC, reviewing and quality-assuring communications data applications. Ensure compliance with IPA standards and seek authorisation for lawful data acquisition.
• Compliance & Accountability - Take personal responsibility for the quality and legality of CD applications and returned data. Evaluate compliance and proactively report errors to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO).
• Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing - Coach, mentor, and support other SPoCs and service users. Educate stakeholders on IPA processes, technologies, evidence admissibility, and disclosure to improve understanding and capability across the department.
• Training & Engagement - Design and deliver national training sessions using varied communication methods to engage service users. Build and sustain professional relationships internally and externally to provide specialist advice and influence decision-making.
• Service Design & Continuous Improvement - Contribute to service design and innovation, using continuous improvement to update procedures and documentation. Promote efficiency and good practice in applying IPA to a diverse range of fraud allegations.
• Leadership & Flexibility - Act as a role model with strong leadership skills, working flexibly across boundaries. Be prepared to work occasional unsociable hours when required.

Due to the geographically dispersed nature of this team, this role will require occasional travel and overnight stays.