Senior Surveillance Officer

The National Crime Agency; Altofts; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Learning & development

Civil service pension

Job summary

The National Crime Agency is seeking a surveillance leader to coordinate high‑priority deployments across multiple UK locations. You will guide a team with varied surveillance qualifications, including technical, rural and motorcycle capabilities, ensuring timely intelligence gathering and evidence preservation.

The role requires flexible hours, the ability to work away from home as needed, and a willingness to undertake specialised training (PIP1/OST). Hybrid working arrangements may apply.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and team management in high‑pressure environments.
• Experience in surveillance operations and UK legislation relevant to covert surveillance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the surveillance team to deliver operational objectives.
• Utilise full range of surveillance capabilities including technical, rural and motorcycle surveillance.
• Deploy across multiple locations (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) and support high‑risk operations.
• Gather intelligence and evidential material; manage case material in line with policies.
• Commitment to safety, continual CPD, and adherence to professional standards.

Job description

OIC, SOU & Multi-Threat & Borders (London)

Type of role Investigation, Operational Delivery, Operational Research, Policing

Working pattern Full time

Number of roles available 2

Location(s)

Normanton (Calder), Warrington

About the Role

Information about the Command

Investigations Command is the core crime fighting capability of the NCA. We take an intelligence‑led approach and concentrate on tackling the criminals and risks to the public which are beyond the capability or capacity of other law enforcement bodies. Our work is largely focused on investigating Organised Immigration Crime, Human Trafficking, Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Economic Crime, Firearms, Drugs, Kidnap and Extortion and Money Laundering. The Investigations Commandprovides a flexible, shared operational capability, designed to maximise the impact of the UK’s collective resources against serious and organised crime. Our teams respond to a broad range of threats, many of which also remain a responsibility for police forces and other agencies as well as private industry.

Information about the Business Area

This DD area incorporates our response to organised immigration crime (OIC), the Command's London-based multi-threat and borders teams, and the Special Operations Unit (SOU).

Role Summary

The NCA is at the forefront of law enforcement in the UK, protecting the public from the most serious criminal threats by disrupting or bringing to justice those serious and organised criminals who present the highest risk to our communities.

NCA surveillance operatives will operate within teams geographically located across the North, Midlands, South, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and will respond to a broad range of threats including Organised Immigration Crime, Human Trafficking, Illicit Finance, Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Firearms and Drugs amongst others in a varied and dynamic environment and undertake a critical role identifying intelligence and evidential opportunities in support of Investigation leads.

Role Description

You will be part of a highly skilled team comprising officers with a range of surveillance qualifications, including specialist technical, rural and motorcycle surveillance capabilities. This is a demanding and rewarding role requiring flexibility to work varied hours, often at short notice, and to deploy across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in support of NCA investigations and other high‑risk significant operational activity. The Dedicated Unarmed Surveillance Team (DUST), part of the NCA's Special Operations Unit (SOU), provides 24/7 operational support across the Agency, and wider UK law enforcement partners. Given the dynamic nature of this work, officers should be prepared to work extended hours and spend periods away from home when operationally required. Consideration is being given to the future introduction of an armed surveillance capability for a limited number of DUST officers within the SOU.

We are keen to attract and develop talented candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those from under‑represented groups.

Flexible working will be considered on a case by case basis depending on business needs.

Powers

As you will require powers for your role, Investigators who join the agency without PIP 1 accreditation will receive appropriate training and will be required to achieve a minimum of PIP 1 accreditation within 12 months of appointment. Which may include passing any exams deemed necessary to meet accreditation and powers designation.

It is mandatory to successfully complete NCA exams, this is because, in order for the DGO to designate NCA powers to any NCA officer under the Crime and Courts Act, The Designating Officer must assess an NCA Officer seeking designation of operational powers as:

• Capable of effectively exercising those powers
• Having received adequate training in respect of the exercise of those powers
• Otherwise being a suitable person to exercise those powers

It has been decided by the agency that the most effective way the designating officer can be satisfied by all 3 of the above points, is for the officer to take all the NCA Exams (Exams 1 and NCA Exam 2 Part A & Part B). The only exemption is if you have sat and passed the NIE in the last 3 years you are not required to sit NCA exam 2 – Paper A.

These exams provide the officer with knowledge of the legislation the NCA work with, as required by the business area and the wider Agency. Upon successful completion of the NCA exams an officer will be designated undersection 10 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as a person having the following powers:

• the powers and privileges of a constable;
• the powers of an officer of Revenue and Customs;
• the powers of an immigration officer; and
• the powers of a general customs official.

The NCA is committed to supporting Officers through this process and provided a range of learning resources to help candidates prepare for and successfully complete exams. However, failure to pass mandatory exams will result in termination of NCA employment. Except in exceptional circumstances, an alternative role will not be offered.

Duties and Responsibilities

• You will be expected to lead the team in operational deployments, making effective decisions designed to deliver the operational objectives of the deployment.
• You will utilise the full range of surveillance capabilities in managing the deployments, for example utilising technical and rural surveillance skills held within the team.
• Work as part of a dedicated unarmed surveillance team using static, foot and mobile tactics to deliver against specific NCA operational objectives.
• Gather evidence and intelligence in support of tasked NCA and partner operations whilst deployed on covert surveillance operations. Produce and manage case material in line with NCA policies and procedures in line with the code of ethics.
• First Aid - Officers will be required to complete First Aid training and regular refresher training.
• Maintain CPD and national standards for surveillance, specialist technical, rural, motorcyclist surveillance skills and advanced driving.
• Willingness to be firearms trained if required.
• Officer Safety Training - It is an essential requirement for successful candidates to pass an Officer Training Course (OST). Applicants are urged to give consideration to whether this is achievable prior to applying. The OST combines cognitive input, armed and unarmed defence theory and practical techniques and, as such, requires a level of physical exertion due to the nature and repetition of the drills. The practical techniques include use of body weapons, movement and positioning strikes (armed/unarmed) blocks. restraint and control. We will expect officers attending the course to have a standard of physical fitness. Progressive full body warm‑ups are conducted each day to minimise risk of injury to the officer. It is expected that the officer is capable of a ground descent and ascent, unaided and within a reasonable timeframe. This is important both individually and in team tactics. Candidates must pass the OST during the first six months of starting in this role. Failure to do so would mean that you would not be able to continue in the operational role and your employment with the NCA will end. Barring any exceptional circumstances the NCA would not seek to find you an alternative role within the Agency. An officer who passes the OST will still be required to successfully pass their 12 month probation to ensure continued employment with the NCA.

Person Specification

Leadership and Management - Proven experience of managing and leading surveillance teams in a high‑pressure, operational environment is essential. You must be able to manage, motivate, and develop specialist officers, often working irregular hours in demanding conditions. Experience of coordinating resources, prioritising competing demands, and maintaining officer welfare and performance is required. You will demonstrate strong leadership presence and the ability to influence both peers and senior stakeholders.

Surveillance Experience - Demonstratable experience of conducting surveillance operations. Proven ability to apply a range of surveillance techniques to support operational objectives, exercising sound judgement to develop, progress and conclude investigations while managing risk and evidential opportunities effectively.

Legislation – Demonstratable knowledge, practical understanding of use of relevant investigative legislation.

Decision Making – Proven ability to assess information from multiple sources, identify risks and opportunities, and make timely, informed and defensible decisions in fast‑paced and often complex operational environments.

Communication Skills - Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport, actively listen, adapt communication style to different audiences and present information clearly and professionally. This includes engaging effectively with colleagues, senior stakeholders and partner agencies.

Operational Resilience - Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational demands while maintaining high standards of professionalism and performance.

Values and Team Contribution - A commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct, while actively contributing to a positive, inclusive and supportive team culture in line with NCA values and behaviours.

You must meet the essential criteria and evidence this within your application to be considered for the role.

Entry Requirements

• Police advanced driving certificate.
• Q1 (Q100) Surveillance trained College of Policing Surveillance Operative or UK law enforcement, military or Intelligence agency certified equivalent. (If the applicant has not successfully completed the CoP Q1 course they must complete a programme of upskilling to reach that level and/or attend a Q1 course at CoP (Ryton) within the first 12 months of employment. Failure to achieve this level will result in termination of employment as this is an essential requirement for the role.)
• Current/active PIP1 Investigator or an equivalent recognised qualification/accreditation in investigative crime issued by a Government body. (Candidates must have maintained CPD and held a PIP role within the last 3 years.)

***Please note, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their last deployment commanding/team leading on mobile surveillance operations, either a deployment record sheet or written confirmation from a supervising officer. This will be required to be evidenced prior to offers of posting or reserve being made.***

Any applications from candidates not meeting this eligibility criteria will not progress.

Desirable criteria are only used for assessment in the event of a tie break.

PIP 2 / Supervisor accreditation or hold a Government issued investigative qualification.

A pay flexibility case seeking to modernise NCA pay frameworks was approved by the Government in July 2026. The NCA recognises and engages in collective bargaining with three trade unions: The National Crime Officers Association (NCOA), Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and FDA. Therefore, our terms and conditions are currently undergoing a formal review, in consultation with these recognised trade unions. The outcome is expected to be known by early 2027.

All salary offers will be made in line with Remuneration Policy.

Operational Role Salary Information This role attracts a SPOT Rate salary. SPOT Rate offers a progressive increase in pay to reflect the skills and experience of the officer.

All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £14,852. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.

New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.

If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working, including flexi‑time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
• Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
• Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway | Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
• Staff support groups/networks
• Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)

This vacancy is using the Success Profiles framework and will assess using the following criteria: Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills

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.

How we will assess you

Your application will be assessed against the following:

Please include your full career history, training, qualifications, key responsibilities, and achievements. Explain any employment gaps in the last two years. Ensure all accreditation dates are accurate.

Details of what is expected within your CV are as follows: Please upload a CV no more than two pages, Font size 11. Your CV should also demonstrate how you meet the outlined essential criteria and person specification listed on the advert. All accreditation, qualification and certification dates may be subject to verification.
Please Note: Only the first two pages of the CV will be reviewed; any additional pages will be disregarded.

Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250word examples on:

• Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance.
• Knowledge and understanding of UK legislation affecting NCA covert surveillance investigations.
• Proven awareness, knowledge or experience of managing risk in a surveillance deployment, and your ability to co‑ordinate the response to challenging operational scenarios.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.

In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.

- Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance..

Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.

You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.

We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.

Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.

The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.

• Commitment to the improvement of culture in a team.
• Excellent experience of successfully leading a surveillance team to deliver against operational objectives and performance.
• Knowledge and understanding of UK legislation affecting NCA covert surveillance investigations.
• Proven awareness, knowledge or experience of managing risk in a surveillance deployment, and your ability to co‑ordinate the response to challenging operational scenarios.

Assessment Outcome

Outcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.

If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.

Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.

In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:

• Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
• If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
• If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.

You will be subject to vetting and pre‑employment checks before appointment.

Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records.

Eligibility, Pre-Employment Check and Vetting

If you are an internal candidate who has passed interview but is undergoing an internal investigation or have a written warning in place preventing a post move you may not be able to be posted until this investigation is concluded or restriction lifted.

Nationality Requirements

UK nationals or dual nationals, where one component is British

Nationals of the Republic of Ireland

Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

You will be required to participate in digital right to work and address checks as part of the recruitment process.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.

Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance.

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.

Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.

For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying Vetting

Individuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre‑employment checks.

Occupational Health

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in‑person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

Things you need to know

Operational Roles

The National Crime Agency is a law enforcement agency and as such we are part of the Criminal Justice System. Therefore if you are going into an operational role we need to be aware if any of our officers have, either before they join us or afterwards, any of the following:

Any criminal conviction (including Court Martial), or caution or fixed penalty notice for disorder or theft;

Any adverse judicial findings;

Any charges or summonses where the proceedings are not complete;

Any misconduct or gross misconduct findings or where proceedings are not complete.

You will be asked to complete a declaration covering the above if offered a role with the NCA.

Each case will be considered on its merits and a positive declaration does not automatically mean that your application will not be progressed. However, should you fail to disclose a relevant matter then your employment or employment will be adversely affected. If in doubt, please declare it at this stage.

Multi Location

Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order for each location.

Please indicate up to three location preferencesclearly. Only your first three preferences will be considered.You may be allocated to any of the locations you select. If you decline an offer for a location you have selected as a preference, a further offer may not be made.

If you choose to reject an offer and no alternative preferred location can be offered, you will not be able to return to the process or be placed on a reserve list .

Only the advertised locations are available; any additional notes added to the application will not be taken into account.

Near Miss

If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.

Conversely, if found appointable at higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.

All offers are made based on merit.

Hybrid Working

The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long‑term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.

If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at [e-mail] before the advert closing date.

Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: [e-mail] (quoting the vacancy reference). If unresolved, you may elevate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission .

Working for the NCA

The National Crime Agency is a 24/7 organisation, and working patterns must support business requirements. Some roles may require you to respond at short notice or outside core hours.

If preferable, alternative contract types may be available. Please review the green bar of this advert to view all available contract types for this role. Where Loan or Secondment options are available, these would be for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

If you have any specific queries about the role that are not covered by the advert, please contact:

Name : Central Recruitment Team

Email : [e-mail]