Head of Operational Engagement

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counterterrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
Homeland Security Group’s (HSG) mission is to reduce homeland security risks to the UK’s people, prosperity, and freedoms. This includes risks from terrorism, state threats, economic crime and cyber-crime. We provide systems leadership across government and deliver strategic initiatives, working closely with operational partners, the Intelligence Agencies and other external organisations to protect the UK.
Within the Homeland Security Group, you will join the Digital Communications Capabilities Unit (DCCU) whose mission is to develop, deliver and operate those national services that enable law enforcement and the intelligence community to investigate and prevent crime as well as counter terrorism through means set out in the Investigatory Powers Act 2016., The Head of Operational Engagement will be responsible for bridging the gap between the Digital Communications Partnership, multi-lateral private sector partners and the operational community.
Key responsibilities include delivering the International Communications Data & Digital Forensics (ICDDF) programme of events (including the flagship Heathrow conference); providing a link between the user and beneficiary communities to assess the benefits accessed by HO-funded investigative capabilities; and facilitating cross-Partnership collaboration to maximise the value of our capabilities.
Since 2008, ICDDF events have facilitated knowledge sharing, enabled the development of innovative and effective methodology, and coordinated research to benefit the UK law enforcement and partner agency network as well as build strong relationships with overseas counterparts. These events help deliver against serious and complex crime, safer streets and enhance our border security through supporting continuous professional development for the digital communication capabilities operational community.
Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However, job-share and compressed hours are available.
Applications from job share candidates are welcome, but any job offer is conditional upon a viable job-sharing arrangement being reached.
Please note: Due to the urgent need to fill this post candidates must hold DV clearance before lodging an application., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Changing and Improving
+ Developing Self and Others
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Leadership
+ Seeing the Big Picture
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
+ Changing and Improving
+ Developing Self and Others, We will endeavour to conduct the selection process in line with the dates indicated below, but cannot guarantee that these will not, where necessary, be revised.
Application – by 20th October 2024
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
C.V. detailing including your job history and skills.
Personal Statement (maximum 1000).
Behaviours: Changing and Improving and Developing Self and Others.
The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description.
For guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV, Personal Statement and Behaviours), you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers website.
Sift – from 7th November 2024
The sift will be held on the Personal Statement, C.V. and the behaviours Changing and Improving and Developing Self and Others.
Should a high volume of applications be received, an initial sift will be conducted on the Behaviour Changing and Improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift will then be progressed to a full sift that will consist of the Personal Statement, C.V. and the behaviour Developing Self and Others.
Interview – from 5th December 2024. If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview that will be based on:
The Behaviours: Changing and Improving, Developing Self and Others, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture and Strength based questions.
In addition, candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation that will be delivered at interview. The presentation will be assessed against 'Experience' on the 'Success Profiles' and will be assessed against the 'Essential Criteria' as listed in the job advertisement. The presentation question/scenario will be disclosed closer to the interviews.
The interview will take place in person in 2 Marsham Street, London
Problems during the application process
If you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think you’ve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact hocandidates.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website.
Further information
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring documentation for the purposes of establishing your identity.
You will need to meet the nationality requirements for this role and obtain the necessary security clearance to take it up. For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks - Home Office Careers
Visa sponsorship
We do not sponsor individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas.
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
+ Contact Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
+ Complete the “Assistance Required” section in the “Additional Requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

+ Using investigative capabilities in an operational environment.
+ Engaging with the security industry.
+ Engaging with Senior leaders.
+ Delivering continuous improvements in past roles drawing on strong situational awareness and sound judgement.
+ Be an enthusiastic self-starter, able to inspire confidence in team members by making use of your positive problem-solving approach.
+ Be able to communicate well and collaborate across teams composed of staff with a wide range of backgrounds including those from outside the civil service.
Desirable criteria
+ Have an awareness of the role of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 within the criminal justice system.
+ Have an awareness of large-scale delivery systems and experience of making productivity improvements and efficiencies while maintaining effective working relationships and building trust with others.

+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%