Firearms & Explosive Manager

Home , 2015 Birthday Honours

National Crime Agency

NCA Grade 3 / Civil Service SEO / Police Inspector

Reference: 84353

Closing date: Tuesday 5th January 2021 at 23:55

Candidate information Pack Move your mouse pointer over the buttons Contents  below and click for more information

Lynne Owens Director General Biography

Thank you for your I am seeking determined, and proactive officers to join the National Crime Agency to help fight the most serious and interest in this role in the organised crime threats to the UK. National Crime Agency NCA officers work at the forefront of law enforcement, building the best possible intelligence picture of all serious and Lynne took up post as the Director General of the organised crime threats; relentlessly pursuing the most serious National Crime Agency in January 2016. and dangerous offenders; and developing and delivering

An experienced police officer, Lynne joined the specialist capabilities on behalf of law enforcement and other Metropolitan Police in 1989 where she rose to partners. the rank of Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer within the Force’s Major Crime There is no such thing as a 'typical' NCA officer. The breadth of our capabilities means Department. that we recruit people from virtually every walk of life, from police to project management, crime analysis to commercial procurement. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Lynne transferred to Surrey Police in 2002 where she served as a Divisional Commander and subsequently Assistant Chief Constable, responsible We equip our officers with the right skills, workplaces and technology to lead the UK' for Territorial Operations. response to serious and organised crime, and operate with the trust and confidence of the public. Awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2008, Lynne moved back to the MPS in 2009 and was promoted to Assistant Commissioner the following year, If you have the skills and experience I am looking for, I would welcome your application to serving as head of Central Operations and Specialist join the organisation. Crime Directorates.

Lynne was appointed Chief Constable for Surrey Lynne Owens Police in 2012 and, in the 2015 Birthday Honours, was awarded the CBE for services to policing and Director General criminal justice.

Why join NCA? Leading the UK's fight to cut serious and organised crime

Would you like the opportunity to contribute to the fight against serious and organised crime?

Serious and organised crime is one of the gravest threats to the UK's national security. The National Crime Agency sits at the heart of the law enforcement response, protecting the public by disrupting and bringing to justice those serious and organised criminals who pose the highest risk to the UK.

NCA officers work at the forefront of law enforcement, building the best possible intelligence picture of all serious and There's no such thing as a typical NCA officer. We come from different backgrounds organised crime threats; relentlessly and cultures, speak many languages and have diverse skills and experiences. What we pursuing the most serious and dangerous have in common is dedication and a commitment to protecting the public from serious offenders; and developing and delivering and organised crime. specialist capabilities on behalf of law enforcement and other partners. Are you ready to join the team?

We are passionate about inclusion.

Joao Rodrigues, Head of Resourcing, National Crime Agency NCA Ethnic Minority Network Support Association - EMNSA Executive Committee Member

Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We want to We are proud of our staff-led Diversity Groups We are committed to our role as a recruit and retain the very best and broadest diversity in who play an important role in supporting Stonewall Diversity Champion, ensuring our our officers. We work in partnership with our outstanding officers whatever their background, and help workplaces remain LGBT+ inclusive, and diversity champions and network groups to understand the organisation to develop and embed our that our LGBT+ employees feel safe, the experience of our officers and embed their priorities approach to inclusion, making sure that we set respected and accepted. in our approach to inclusion. Whatever your background ourselves up for success. or identity, if you have the skills we're looking for there If you want to join our mission, and be part could be a place for you to make a real difference in the In addition to our Diversity Groups, we have a of an organisation committed to fairness, National Crime Agency. network of over 60 qualified Mental Health First can meet our high expectations of integrity Aiders, and an additional network of Workplace and demonstrate inclusive behaviours, then Everyone at the NCA should be treated with respect and Support Officers, who can provide advice, we encourage you to apply for one of our dignity. We all have a role to play in creating a positive and signposting and support to all our officers. roles. inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and can contribute. We want all of our officers to feel like they belong We are proud to be a Disability Confident https:// and can play their part in our mission to protect the public employer. We offer a guaranteed interview www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/ from serious and organised crime. scheme and are happy to discuss reasonable whowe-are/inclusion-diversity-and- adjustments as part of your application so that equality you can perform at your full potential - both through the selection process and then in post if you are successful.

About the Threat Leadership Business Area

“NCA Threat Leadership’s role is to drive and plan the most effective and impactful national response to the Serious and Organised Crime threats, protecting the public by demonstrably degrading those threats using all law enforcement and partner powers and capabilities. The Command leads the UK’s operational response to the: Firearms; Drugs; Child Sexual Abuse; Organised Immigration Crime; Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking; Cyber crime; and Border threats. The Command also includes the UK’s National Cyber Crime Unit.

Our role is to work with partners at senior level in law enforcement, Government, private and third sectors and overseas to set the strategic direction, to drive and plan effective delivery of the response, and ensure we understand the impact of UK and international activity to reduce the threats. As part of that and as the experts in the response to the threats, we are also responsible for: Rob Jones is the NCA Director Threat • Applying specialist threat knowledge to develop the strategic approach to the threat and Leadership, supported by three Deputy influencing senior partners. Directors responsible for specific threat areas. • Commissioning intelligence activity to meet strategic and tactical needs • driving the multi-agency UK 4P (PURSUE, PREVENT, PROTECT, PREPARE) response by agreeing threat priorities, influencing tasking of operational activity across law enforcement, facilitating partner action and informing policy, regulatory and legislative changes to better protect the public. • Providing strategic governance across all partners and agreeing organisational roles and responsibilities • Leading multi-functional teams responsible for the development of tactical, strategic intelligence, analytical and/or prevention initiatives. • Understanding the impact of the national response and driving SOC system wide change activity (mitigating barriers, building capability, leading innovation, securing investment funding or improving impact) to develop capabilities to respond to the threats.

About the role

We are currently seeking to recruit a Firearms & Explosive • Lead, influence and undertake joint and collaborative working with Manager in Bristol or Birmingham. law enforcement, governance and other appropriate partners to prevent imported or trafficked firearms materials entering UK The main responsibilities of the role include: criminality in accordance with limits of legislation and operating • Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding procedures. Identify and refer appropriately for pursuit any such of objectives, activities and time-frames. Take into account diverted materials and contribute to hardening national firearms different individual needs, views, and ideas, championing governance measures to prevent exploitation by criminality. inclusion and equality of opportunity for all. Consider the • Conduct continuous assessment, interpretation, research and impacts of own and team’s activities on stakeholders and end organisation of information from multiple sources concerning the users. Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. import, transfer and export of firearms, ammunition and associated Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive materials into and from the UK commercial and licensed supply positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, chain. misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior Establish, maintain, apply, advise and provide accurate, detailed managers where appropriate. • technical knowledge and practical support to Agency activities in • Design, lead, undertake and direct firearms import supply chain respect of firearms materials, their characteristics, domestic, activity to assess integrity, deny opportunity, detect, pursue import, export and EU legislation, identification, working and prevent criminal diversion and exploitation. Engage in joint classification, triage, identification of relevant potential offences and working and provide firearms legislative and technical firearms supply threats. expertise, advice and support to National Crime Agency and partner agencies. Undertake professional development and contribute to firearms technical capability building across the Agency. • Design, undertake and direct interventions and activities in the firearms import/export supply chain to detect criminality, test the integrity, obtain information and identify threats and vulnerabilities relevant to “lawful to unlawful” diversion of firearms, ammunition and related materials according to current threat priorities and within limits of statutory powers created for the FXO function in CEMA 1979, related legislation and Agency operating procedures.

Person Specification

You will need to demonstrate the below You will also need to demonstrate the Please Note: behaviors: below experience criteria: The NCA is a 24/7 organisation, and A background of professional experience • • Leadership working patterns must support involving firearms as a firearms practitioner, • Making Effective Decisions business requirements. You may be firearms examiner, firearms enquiry officer or required to respond at short notice a firearms commodity-specific intelligence or outside of core hours. officer or with significant firearms Individuals will be required to commodity-specific investigative, • undertake and pass a substance You will also need to demonstrate the below operational or practical experience is misuse test as part of pre- technical criteria: required to conduct this role. employment checks • Detailed understanding of import, • Candidates must hold SC Clearance export, domestic & EU firearms Desirable Qualifications / experience legislation & licensing. • Good understanding of import, export Designated powers to include powers This Role is included in the “Great Place to Work & EU transfer procedures, of an officer of Revenue and Customs. for veterans” Initiative, which is aimed at documentation, transport modes and encouraging veterans from the armed services into practices. public sector roles. • Detailed understanding of firearms commodities, markets and For more information and eligibility requirements terminology. please visit here methods and supply chains. Landing page: "https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to- work-for-veterans Salary & Benefits Salary and Benefits If you are an active police pension member • The NCA supports The government Tax-Free immediately prior to joining the NCA, you can Childcare (TFC) scheme for new employees. continue your membership throughout your Existing employees may be able to continue to Salary employment with us as if you were a serving claim childcare vouchers, so please check how police officer. If you do remain an active the policy would work for you here; £45,480 member and subsequently return to a police • All NCA officers can apply for a formal change to their working hours, pattern or location. Pay principles on Civil Service transfers apply for force, you should be able to continue your membership there too. However, acceptance of Alternative Working current civil servants transferring to the NCA at the Arrangements is depending on a number of equivalent grade. This Includes; aspects such as business needs. • Family friendly policies that often exceed the Pay principles for existing NCA officers can be found • 26 days’ annual leave on entry, increasing the statutory minimum offered by many other in the NCA Remuneration policy (HR04 OP03). to 31 days after 5 years’ service. This is in employers including maternity, adoption, addition to 8 public holidays. shared parental leave and paternity leave. If applying on Secondment and you are the • A competitive contributory pension • Support for officers who are Reservists and equivalent grade you will remain on your current scheme that you can enter as soon as you Special Constables. join where we will make a significant salary for the duration of your Secondment. • Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the contribution to the cost of your pension; cost of an annual travel season ticket. where your contributions come out of your Cycle2work salary sacrifice scheme to hire a salary before any tax is taken; and where bicycle up to the value of £3,000 to assist in your pension will continue to provide improving health and fitness and save you valuable benefits for you and your family if money. Benefits you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. • Blue light Scheme offering hundreds of high Whatever your role, we take your career and street and online discounts. development seriously, and want to enable you to • Flexible working patterns including access to part-time and compressed hours • Paid time off to facilitate continuous build a really successful career with the Agency and options according to business needs. professional development, and access to Civil wider Civil Service. It is crucial that our employees Service Learning; up to 5 days per year. • Access to a variety of active network have the right skills to develop their careers and meet groups, Gender Equality Group, Ethnic • The opportunity to use on site facilities the challenges ahead, and you’ll benefit from regular Minority Network Support Association, including fitness centres and staff performance and development reviews to ensure this Faith and Belief Group, Disability Network canteens(where available). development is ongoing. As a Civil Service employee, Advisory Group, LGBT+ Group, Age • Occupational sick pay and access to you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits. Group, Flexible Working Group and the occupational health services. Inclusion Alliance. • Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers.

Application Process

To apply for this post, you will need to complete an online application form which includes entering the information outlined below. This should be completed no later than 23:55 on 5th January 2021

Application 1. Your CV should set out your career history including training and qualifications, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure that each entry of your career history also has a few sentences outlining a description and the key elements of that role, and that you provide reasons for any gaps within the last two years. Please ensure the dates of any accreditations you are relying on are entered onto the CV. The below criteria will be assessed from your CV: Shortlist • A background of professional experience involving firearms as a firearms practitioner, firearms examiner, firearms enquiry officer or a firearms commodity-specific intelligence officer or with significant firearms commodity-specific investigative, operational or practical experience is required to conduct this role

2. Technical Criteria Assessment Please evidence how you meet the below technical criteria (maximum 250 words per criteria): In their answers candidates should consider the technical and desirable criteria set out in the Candidate Pack.

• Good awareness of criminal use of firearms, firearms trafficking, criminal methods and supply chains. • Good understanding of import, export & EU transfer procedures, documentation, transport modes and Offer practices. • Detailed understanding of firearms commodities, markets and terminology. • Detailed understanding of import, export, domestic & EU firearms legislation & licensing.

Please note that support will not be available after 3pm on 5th January 2021

Application Process

In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency’s Diversity & Inclusion strategy, the NCA require certain personal details about you on submission of your application. Please note that this will Application be treated in confidence and will not impact your application. You will be asked to complete an E-consent survey asking for permission to share this data with the NCA to be used for statistical/monitoring purposes only, refusal of consent to share the information will not impact your application. Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with us at the following email address; including the vacancy reference number in the subject line, Shortlist [email protected]

Please ensure that you include the vacancy reference number in the subject line of your email to avoid delays.

Assessment Your application will be acknowledged by the Government Recruitment Service. If you do not receive acknowledgement of your application within 48 hours, please contact us.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide your location preferences. Please note that appointments will be made in strict merit order, per location, with the highest scoring candidates being Offer appointed first.

Application Process

Longlisting Application If a large number of applications are received then long-listing will be conducted on the below criteria

• Good awareness of criminal use of firearms, firearms trafficking, criminal methods and supply chains.

Shortlist Shortlist

A decision is expected to be made by week commencing 1st February 2021 and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcomes shortly afterwards.

Assessment

Offer

Application Process

Assessment and Interview:

Application Interview:

The interview will be a competency based interview assessing the below criteria:

Behaviours:

• Leadership Shortlist • Making Effective Decisions

Technical/Experience • Detailed understanding of import, export, domestic & EU firearms legislation & licensing. • Good understanding of import, export & EU transfer procedures, documentation, transport modes Assessment and practices. • Detailed understanding of firearms commodities, markets and terminology. • Good awareness of criminal use of firearms, firearms trafficking, criminal methods and supply chains.

Candidates must provide copies of any qualifications they rely on as part of their application to interview. Offer Full details of the interview process will be made available to shortlisted candidates. The interviews will take place throughout February and March 2021. Please be advised that the interview process may change due to the current situation regarding COVID-19. If successful at shortlisting you will be given up to date information regarding the interview process.

Application Process

• Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible.

• As an Agency we are in a period of growth and as such it is important that we have a steady flow of talent Application into the organisation. We are recruiting to ensure we have a sufficient supply of high calibre people, with the right skills to help us deliver our business, both now and in the future. We will be making a significant number of appointments immediately following the selection process, and we will be retaining a candidate pool of successful applicants to draw from as vacancies arise for up to 12 months.

• If you are not found appointable at the advertised grade you may be offered the lower grade role if you are Shortlist considered to meet the skills, experience and behaviours for the lower level. The benchmark for appointing to the lower grade is set at the start of each campaign. All offers will be made in merit.

• If you are found appointable at the higher grade but there are no positions available you may be offered an appointment at the lower grade.

Assessment • If your application is successful and we are unable to offer you a post immediately, you will be invited to join our reserve list so that we can continue to communicate with you regarding your employment with the Agency, and the incredible work that we do. If over the next 12 months we are able to offer you a position, we will contact you as soon as possible. During this time, you will go through our vetting and preemployment checks processes. Appointments will be made in adherence to the Civil Service Recruitment Principles and in strict merit order with the highest scoring candidates being appointed first. Offer We will keep you updated throughout your application and whilst in the candidate pool, we wish you every success in this process and are excited for the journey ahead.

Indicative Timeline

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be 5th January 2021 subject to change. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let Advert Closing Date us know in your application letter. The anticipated timetable is as W/C 1st February 2021 follows: Expected shortlist announcement

June 2020 April 2021

Interview locations will be sent to candidates at a later date. Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment Pre-employment Checks and selection process. Candidates may need to travel Pre-employment checks take on average to one of the main NCA sites as we cannot guarantee 16 weeks from the point of offer to interviews will be held at the location advertised. arranging a start date. This includes vetting, occupational health assessments, employment history checks and Throughout February and March 2021 substance misuse tests. This is an approximate time frame and is to be Interviews taken as a guideline only as this can very between candidates.

1. Can I apply if I am not currently a civil 7. What nationality do I need to hold in 8. How does the NCA grading structure servant? order to apply? compare to civil service and police? Yes. These roles are open to all suitably qualified To be eligible for employment to this role The NCA operates its own grade structure, the people. you must be a national from the following below table shows our grades in comparison countries: 2. Is this role permanent? with our civil service and police colleagues. This role is being offered on a permanent basis. 37 • The United Kingdom hours per week. • The Republic of Ireland NCA Civil Service Police

3. Is this role suitable for part-time working? • The Commonwealth* Grade Equivalent Equivalent • A European Economic Area (EEA) Member Assistant Chief This role is available for appointment full-time, part Deputy Director State Constable time and job share • Switzerland Chief G1 Grade 6 4. Will the role involve travel? • Turkey Superintendent Some travel may be required for this role. Certain family members of EEA, Swiss and G2 Grade 7 Superintendent SEO Chief Inspector/ 5. Where will the role be based? Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply G3 regardless of their nationality. (Senior Executive Officer) Inspector If successful, you will be based in Bristol or HEO G4 Sergeant Birmingham. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, (Higher Executive Officer) be reimbursed. who have no right of abode in the UK and G5 EO (Executive Officer) Constable who do not have leave to enter the UK are 6. Can I claim back any expenses incurred during AO ineligible to apply.) (Administrative Officer) the recruitment process? G6 N/A For further information on whether you are AA No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse (Administrative Officer) eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

• Sheffield • Belfast • Gartcosh

Those who would like to work in any of these other NCA locations are urged to apply at this time so they can be considered for posting when vacancies become available in those locations. When completing the online application form you will be given the opportunity to state up to three preferred locations. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed. FAQs

FAQs

9. Is security clearance required? 10. What reasonable adjustments can be We are committed to making reasonable The NCA conduct enhanced pre- made if I have a disability? adjustments for Disability Confident employment checks on top of standard SC The NCA is a Disability Confident Leader Scheme applicants and will try to remove to determine suitability to work for an and therefore part of the Disability Confident any barriers so you are not at a organisation combatting serious and Scheme (for further information on the disadvantage during the selection/ organised crime. All NCA officers must hold Disability confident scheme please visit recruitment process/ interview / SC Enhanced upon entry as a minimum. (https://www.gov.uk/government/ assessment including; allowing extra time Failure to achieve SC Enhanced will result in collections/disability-confident-campaign). If during selection tests; ensuring that the job offer being withdrawn. Individuals you have a disability defined by the equality information is provided in an accessible will be required to undertake and pass a Act 2010 you’re eligible to be considered for format or; by providing training. We are substance misuse test as part of pre- the Disability Confident Scheme. also committed to interviewing all employment checks. In order to qualify you must have a physical applicants with a disability who meet the Some NCA roles require officers to obtain or mental impairment which has a minimum criteria for the role applied for. DV Enhanced within 12 months of entry. If substantial and long term negative effect on If you feel that you may need a DV Enhanced cannot be obtained the your ability to carry out normal day to day reasonable adjustment to be made, or officer will be required to move to a non-DV activities you would like to discuss the disability role. (Further information regarding disabilities confident scheme in more detail please More information about the vetting process covered under the equality act please visit contact us in the first instance. can be found at the following link https:// www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under- If you wish to receive a hard copy of the www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and- equality-act-2010). information, or in an alternative format clearance e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then please contact: [email protected]

FAQs

11. Are there any residency requirements outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s 14. What do I do if I want to make a in order to apply for this role? Recruitment Principles. For the most senior complaint? To meet National Security Vetting posts in the Civil Service, the Commission For non-CSC led requirements you will need to have resided discharges its responsibilities directly by If you feel that your application has not been in the UK for a minimum of 3 out of the past overseeing the recruitment process and by treated in accordance with the recruitment 5 years for SC clearance and a minimum of a Commissioner chairing the selection principles and wish to make a complaint, 7 out of 10 years for DV clearance. You will panel to hear and determine appeals made then you should contact still be considered if you were posted by civil servants under the Civil Service [email protected] in abroad as part of your service with the HMG Code which sets out the Civil Service the first instance. or armed forces or a UK government role values – Honesty, Integrity, Impartiality and 15. What should I do if I think that I have a during this period. Please make sure you Objectivity – and forms part of the meet these requirements before applying for relationship between civil servants and conflict of interest? Candidates must note the requirement to this role. their employer. declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach 12. What is the role of the Civil Service 13. Will this role be overseen by the to the business of the Department. Commission in relation to recruitment Civil Service Commission? If you believe that you may have a conflict of into the Civil Service? The recruitment process is subject to the interest please contact The Civil Service Commission provides Civil Service Commission’s recruitment [email protected] assurance that selection for appointment to principles. before submitting your application. the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as

Contact us Contact us We encourage all candidates to thoroughly review the Candidate Information Pack which explains the role and requirements further before submitting an application. If you have any specific queries about the role that is not covered by the candidate pack, please contact: [email protected]

For information regarding your rights and how NCA treat the personal details you provide to us please follow this link: www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/publications/910-nca-public-privacy-notice/file

Did you know that the NCA employs a broad range of specialist volunteers who work with us as NCA Specials? Why not volunteer as an NCA Special and support us in leading the UK’s fight to cut serious and organised crime? To find out more about volunteering opportunities within the agency, please visit us at https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/national-crime-agency/

For more information on careers at the NCA please visit https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/national-crime-agency/

DRIVING DIVERSITY FORWARD The NCA is an inclusive employer committed to developing a workforce which reflects the society we protect. We value difference, and recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. More information can be found on http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/Civil-service-recruitment/

If you would like the application form in a different format, please contact the Recruitment Team via email to: [email protected] The NCA complies with and expects all its employees to reflect the values outlined in the Civil Service Code, for further information please review the code.