Principal Technical Architect, National Communications Data Service (NCDS)

The Home Office National Communications Data Service (NCDS) provides access for law enforcement agencies and wider public authorities to Communications Data used in their investigations. NCDS provides cutting-edge operational capabilities and services, hosted on an AWS public cloud platform, to support counter terrorism, tackle serious and organised crime, and protect vulnerable people.
As the Principal Technical Architect, you are responsible for the architecture and engineering services provided to NCDS. This includes leading a team of architects, management of suppliers and budget responsibility. You will also be part of the Policing & Public Protection Technologies CTO management team, contributing to the architecture across national policing systems and ensuring alignment with the broader strategic technology direction for the Home Office.
You will network and communicate with senior stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, across the organisation and our partners and proactively seek out opportunities for digital transformation. You will manage diverse teams across multiple locations, finding and using best practice and emerging technologies and inspiring other architects, helping them understand how to deliver the goals of the organisation.
You will be the design authority for NCDS and will be responsible for technical governance, solving complex and high-risk issues and delivering architecture design. You will have a detailed knowledge of technical requirements to implement, design and manage associated technologies.
You will have a genuine interest in new technologies and bring this passion to the role to ensure the Home Office remains at the forefront of technical advances.

Person specification
Your main day to day responsibilities will be:
+ Owning the creation and delivery of the technical strategy for your area of work, include brokering decisions and bridging technical and business issues by weighing up risk, complexity impact and deliverability
+ Working collaboratively with partners in the Home Office and end user organisations to ensure alignment of strategies and implementation
+ Leading the NCDS architecture and engineering teams comprised of Civil Servants and external suppliers. This includes development of the team and responsibility for the budgets for the suppliers and infrastructure that provide the services.
+ Presenting recommendations for technologies or improvements to enhance systems to support project goals clearly based on technical knowledge and analysis of telecommunications and IT systems
+ Leading the design and review processes for new solution and services, translating technical concepts between systems engineering, delivery management and service management
+ Creating detailed plans for the integration of new systems architecture into existing infrastructure, considering the broader context and strategies of the organisation
+ Leading the development of the architectural practice within NCDS, ensuring a coherent and consistent strategy across cyber, cloud, data centre, storage, network, mobile and the user experience of infrastructure
Essential skills
You’ll have a demonstrable passion for Technical Architecture, with the following skills or proven experience in:
+ evidencing strong technical leadership qualities, with a passion for delivering leading edge designs and inspiring a culture of technical excellence and innovative solution design
+ anticipating and advising on future technology changes that present opportunities for the product or programme
+ leading the complex landscapes of technologies, 3rd party suppliers (leading the procurement process), internal and cross-government teams
+ leading technology teams to adhere to good engineering principles from architecture through to development
+ managing and delivering complex technology solutions within time, cost and quality targets, ensuring solutions are robust, resilient, and appropriately implemented, tested and documented
+ defining, owning and contributing to the technical roadmap and strategy
The skills listed above are reflective of the Home Office DDaT Profession Skills and Competency Model (based on the industry standard SFIA framework). Please see below for the relevant skills required for your role:
Strategy & Architecture:
+ Strategy and Planning
o Strategic Planning (ITSP) – Level 4
o Innovation (INOV) – Level 4
o Enterprise and Business Architecture (STPL) – Level 4
o Solution Architecture (ARCH) – Level 5
+ Advice & Guidance
o Consultancy (CNSL) – Level 5
o Specialist Advice (TECH) – Level 4
Successful candidates can join the post with an SC level clearance but have the willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. This is required as you would require long-term, frequent access to information up to Top Secret. Please note that DV clearance can take several months to be authorised. The Home Office is within their right to refuse employment to an individual for refusing to undergo essential security vetting.
Further details on what DV clearance involves can be found here. Please ensure you have read this before applying for this role and are willing to undertake this process., Candidates shortlisted will be invited to an interview which will be based on Technical (SFIA) skills as listed in the advert.
Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. All applications are screened for plagiarism, copying, and generating of examples/answers from internet sources including Artificial intelligence. If detected, the application may be withdrawn from the process.
Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving civil servants. Providing false or misleading information would be contrary to the core values of honesty and integrity expected of all civil servants.
Sift and Interview dates
The sift is expected to take place from week commencing 23rd September 2024.
Interviews will take place from the 15th October 2024 (subject to panels operational requirements/priorities).
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
Interviews will take place remotely via video. Candidates will be required to have access to:
+ A laptop (personal or work) with a working webcam
+ Good internet connection
+ Microsoft Teams
PLEASE NOTE: Due to time constraints we may not be able to offer alternative interview date(s). It is therefore expected that candidates who are successful at sift stage will make themselves available during the above time frame given.
Further details and instructions will be provided closer to the scheduled interview.
Further information
For meaningful checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years if the role requires CTC clearance, 5 years for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. A lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Additional Security Checks
As well as successfully obtaining UK Security Vetting clearance, candidates will be subject to a range of additional checks.
The range of checks carried out will depend on whether you are a current Home Office employee, existing civil servant or an external new entrant as well as the role requirements.
Further details are included in the Notes to Candidates document.
Please read the essential skills for this position carefully. We will only consider those who meet the listed requirement.
If you have previously made an unsuccessful application for a role with the same essential skills and are not able to demonstrate how you have developed these skills since your last application please reconsider applying as your application is unlikely to be successful.
Reserve list
A reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
You need to have lived in the UK for the past 5 years. This is because this post requires the successful candidate to have Security Check (SC) clearance and individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. These checks will only take place after the job offer has been accepted.
Visa sponsorship
We are unable to sponsor any individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas as we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License.
We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role, or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same behaviours and essential skills
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office. Applicants can discuss any specific questions with the Vacancy Holder.
This post is eligible for DDaT RRA. Successful candidates with exceptional skills and experience may apply for a Recruitment Retention Allowance. This allowance is subject to an initial review within 6 months of taking up the post and thereafter an annual review in line with departmental priorities and could be reduced or withdrawn at any time.
If you are successful in this position and choose to accept the provisional offer for this role, you will be removed from all other Home Office reserve lists at the same grade.
Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.
We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from women, people with disabilities and LGBT+ as they are currently under-represented in the Home Office at this grade level. Appointments will be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and area Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
For further information please see the attached notes for candidates which must be read before making an application.
Existing Civil Servants should note that some of the Home Office terms and conditions of employment have changed. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure they are aware of the Terms and Conditions they will adopt should they be successful in application and should refer to the notes for candidates for further details.
Transfer Terms: Voluntary.
If you are invited to an interview you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks.
Please see the attached list of Home Office acceptable ID documents.
Any move to the Home Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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 grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukas 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 security check (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., If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment
principles, and wish to make a complaint, then you should contact in the first instance
HORecruitment.GRS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.

+ Strategic Planning (ITSP) – Level 4
+ Innovation (INOV) – Level 4
+ Enterprise and Business Architecture (STPL) – Level 4
+ Solution Architecture (ARCH) – Level 5
+ Consultancy (CNSL) – Level 5
+ Specialist Advice (TECH) – Level 4

The first duty of Government is to protect the public. Since 1782, the Home Office has led work to keep the country safe from those who seek to do it harm; in doing so, we make a vital contribution to HM Government’s plan for a stronger, fairer, outward-looking and united Britain.
The Home Office leads on immigration, refugee protection, passports, drugs and crime policy, counter-extremism and counter-terrorism and works to ensure visible, responsive and accountable policing in the UK.
These are challenging areas that can rapidly change in the global environment we work in - this makes us one of the most exciting and stimulating government departments to work in.
If you work with us, you will be making a real difference.
About Digital, Data and Technology
Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) enables the Home Office to keep citizens safe and the country secure, as well as at the front line of making the Home Office a modern and capable department at a time of unprecedented global change.
We design, build and operate products that are critical in helping the department achieve its mission. You could be designing and building solutions to help people prove their identity or apply for visas or working on the critical IT systems that support policing and counter terrorism and help protect UK borders. Our success in this role depends on our ability to exploit the latest technologies to create leading-edge, world class solutions whilst ensuring they are secure and resilient.
This is an exciting time to work for the Home Office as we develop some of the most challenging and transformative technology projects the department has ever seen. You’ll have a chance to shape the future and support our goal to provide exceptional services for everyone.
Our work is guided by these fundamental principles:
• put user needs first
• delivery and outcomes over process
• make the most of openness: open standards, open source, open data and open markets
It’s important that we build a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve and provide an inclusive environment for all. We value everyone's skills and provide a creative and supportive environment to help you do your best work and develop your career.

+ You’ll also have access to the same benefits available to all civil servants in the Home Office:
o An in-year performance bonus scheme.
o A Civil Service pension with employer contribution rates of between 26.6% and 30.3%, depending upon salary.
o 25 days annual leave on appointment, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King’s Birthday, rising further with service.
o Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work life balance that right for you including part-time, flexi time and job sharing.
o Training and development opportunities tailored to your role.
o A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
o Season ticket loans and rental deposit loans.
o Cycle to work and payroll giving.
o Employee discounts - including a huge number of retailers, Microsoft Home Use programme and gym membership.
o A variety of staff recognition schemes including thank you vouchers.
o Health and wellbeing initiatives including monthly mindfulness sessions.
o Staff support networks.
o Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks of statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid.
o Maternity and adoption support leave (paternity leave) of 2 weeks full pay.
o Up to five days paid leave for volunteering.
o Study leave and support for studying for a qualification or other accredited development relevant to your role.
You can find more information at Benefits - Home Office Careers.