The Role | Ocda

Authorising Officer

Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Salary: £25,750 - £27,650 per annum

Locations: Birmingham and Manchester, hybrid working available

Authorising Officers are responsible for assessing Public Authorities requests to acquire communications data in compliance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and other relevant legislation.

Your role will be to independently assess the necessity and proportionality of applications received from Public Authorities. Applications are received from across the UK, and you will have the responsibility for the final decision as to authorise, decline or return applications.

The applications OCDA receive contain large amounts of information and need to be fully considered. Each application should be considered on its own merit, and you will make timely and objective decisions based on the facts available.

The role of Authorising Officer is vital as communications data can either support or disprove an alibi and can identify links that may exist between suspects and a crime scene. Sometimes CD is the only way to identify these offenders, particularly where offences are committed online, such as child sexual exploitation or fraud.

Our operation is a fast-paced environment, with high volume workloads. In 2022 our Authorising Officers collectively assessed 266,864 applications.

Due to the nature of this work, high levels of discretion will be expected from the successful candidates.

Responsibilities

OCDA welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. To work in this role, successful applicants will be expected to be able to:

Assimilate complex information quickly and use it to make effective decisions independently within the strict constraints of legislation.
Understand the impact of their decisions, take responsibility, and have the confidence to justify them.
Have effective written and oral communication skills and be comfortable engaging with a variety of stakeholders at different levels.
Respond positively to changes in working systems, processes and teams and follow the productivity targets, showing commitment to continuous improvement in an environment where performance matters.
Ability to work responsibly in dealing with confidential/sensitive information, being mindful of data security.

Maintain ethical principles and adhere to OCDA Core Values, applying them to every aspect of your work.

Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) and Shift Working

AHW is an additional allowance received alongside your basic salary. This percentage calculation is assessed in line with the operational demands of the business and is subject to change and review. It is not guaranteed and may cease at any time. The allowance currently sits at circa 18%.

The role of Authorising Officer is currently scheduled as a shift working role. The shift pattern includes early starts and evening and weekend working. It also includes working on Public Holidays. It is your responsibility to ensure that a shift working pattern is suitable for you before accepting a job offer.

Whilst part-time work is available, it must meet fit within OCDA business hours, 0700 – 2200, and must include weekend and public holiday working hours.

OCDA are currently adhering to the Home Office hybrid working model, which will enable staff to split their time working in the office and at home.

Training

You will receive a fully comprehensive, classroom-based training package to fulfil the role of Authorising Officer. The training will take place over a period of six weeks, and you will be fully supported by OCDA’s training team. You will undertake an assessment which must be passed before you can undertake the duties of the role.

The training will run on a full-time basis during weekdays; however, we will work to accommodate part-time workers after the initial training is completed. During the initial six-week training period you will receive a 0% annualised hours allowance that reflects the Monday to Friday working pattern.

What will you get from OCDA

Comprehensive operational training tailored to your role.
Continued learning and development opportunities.
Regular performance and development reviews.
Opportunity of hybrid working and flexible working options.
Ongoing development of skills within your area of the business.
Opportunities to engage with stakeholders.
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. Find out more information about the Civil Service Pension here:
Joining the Pension Scheme - Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Further Information

This role is open to UK nationals only.

If you require further information on the following, please utilise the link to Civil Service Jobs – Authorising Officer - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK.

UK Residency Periods.
Reserve List.
Diversity and Inclusion.
Terms and Conditions.
Transfer Terms.
ID for Pre-employment Checks.
Reasonable Adjustments.
Nationality Requirements.
Eligibility.
Working for the Civil Service.