Job Description

RIPA Compliance Officer - Band D - Covert Functions - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

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Vacancy Reference Number
19954


Number of Vacancies
2
(B) OCU
CTPHQ Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters
Location
West Brompton
Band
Band D
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
36 hours per week
Type of Contract
Permanent
Job Advert

Job Title:

RIPA Compliance Officer - Covert Functions - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Salary:

The starting salary is 38,926, which includes allowances totalling 2,928.


The salary is broken down as 35,998 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale 38,523. Plus, a location allowance of 1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of 1,000.

Location

: West Brompton

Job Summary

The RIPA Covert Authorities Bureau (CAB) is a unit within SO15 Covert Functions. The unit specialises in the management of legislative covert authorities in support of CTC investigations. Covert authorities relate to activities including Directed Surveillance, Relevant Source and CHIS activity; as well as covert activity within the HMPPS estate.


As a RIPA Compliance Officer, your role will be responsible for the administration, quality assurance and co-ordination of applications and authorisations for covert activity. You will provide tactical advice and guidance to operational colleagues to best support their investigations. You will ensure best practice is maintained across all covert disciplines and ensure authorisations are compliant and compatible with covert policing legislation, force and CTP policy and Regulations.


In addition to the management of authorities, you will be responsible for co-ordinating disclosure requests within Covert Functions, assist with annual inspections of the unit, deliver training on authorisation procedures and provide admin support to the wider department on the use of HumInt IT systems.

Key Tasks

The post holder will be required to do the following:

Provide advice and guidance to applicants on RIPA 2000 and associated legislation, policies and case law. Ensure applicants understand the requirements under RIPA, PACE, CPIA, ECHR. The administration, coordination and management of applications and authorities in line with Part II of RIPA 2000 legislation, guidance, policy and case law. Work collaboratively within the unit; with Authorising Officers; and wider stakeholders to ensure key deadlines are met. Adept in prioritising and balancing workloads across the team. Assist in the prevention and recording of RIPA errors, reporting these as appropriate as per policy and legislation. Ensuring authority documentation is appropriately handled and stored in line with STRAP/GSC. Assisting in the preparation of management information reports surrounding authorities and wider performance reports to support Covert Functions SLT. Maintaining compliance to ensure SO15 are well positioned for yearly external inspections. Utilise appropriate computer systems and maintain a record of all SO15 CTC authority data. Respond to Investigatory Powers Tribunal Directions. Deliver training on making RIPA applications. Any other duties as directed by the head of unit. Support health & well-being initiatives in the workplace.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.


This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.


This post requires British nationality (some dual nationals may be ineligible) and an Enhanced Security Check (eSC)/Developed Vetting (DV)] clearance.


As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

Confidentiality Agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our Employee Commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of "Working to keep people safe from Terrorism".


Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today's complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations'.


Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button below. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 23rd October 2025.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.


Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

Essential For The Role

Essential Key Skills:

Excellent organisational and IT skills - successful applicants will be required to be proficient in Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proven ability to balance workloads and work to shifting priorities where necessary in order to meet key deadlines. Self-motivated and excellent attention to detail. Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a small team. Be able to articulate key concepts to colleagues and stakeholders. Be able to confidently liaise with officers and staff at all levels including external stakeholders. Be responsible for self-development and be willing to attend various training opportunities.

Experience

Previous experience in covert policing tactics and/or covert authorities is advantageous.

Desirable Skills:

Knowledge of/experience in writing and preparing applications for covert authorities Knowledge/experience of RIPA Part II legislation surrounding Directed / Intrusive Surveillance and CHIS Understanding of the CTP network, specifically with the Human Intelligence (HumInt) context. Knowledge of IPA Part V legislation surrounding Equipment Interference. Knowledge of OPT activity within HMPPS estate. Understanding of RIPA 2000, PACE 1984 , CPIA 1996, ECHR & MOPI and Data retention. Experience working with the following IT platforms: National Secure Network (NSN), National Charter Management Application (NCMA), Met Police Authorities Applications (MPCA).

Whilst a background in any of the above criteria will be advantageous, the selected candidate will receive on-the-job training.





Required Languages
English
Additional Information
CTP CVF Staff Band.pdf - 807KB Opens in a new window
The following competencies will be tested against during sift:
We are emotionally aware at level 2

We analyse critically at level 2

We collaborate at level 2

The following values will be tested against during sift:
Integrity

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.



As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.



The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.




Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about police fitness standards.



Read our full disability confidence statement.