CAREERS / Working for the NCA
[INTRO] Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity where your work really matters? If so the National Crime Agency may be the place for you. Whatever your role, from investigations to intelligence, strategy to security, you'll be making a difference.
[H1] NCA roles
Most of our officers work in investigative or intelligence roles.
As an investigator you could be working against any one or more of the serious and organised crime threats we combat, from child sexual exploitation to illegal firearms, cyber crime, money laundering and more. You might be a firearms officer, use behavioural insights to disrupt criminal operations, track and arrest wanted fugitives, be deployed overseas as an International Liaison Officer or anything in between.
As an intelligence officer you likewise may be working against any of the serious and organised crime threats we lead the fight against. You might work in an intelligence gathering or analytical role, building our picture of organised crime groups impacting on the UK. As an intelligence officer you may also be deployed overseas as an International Liaison Officer.
While most of our officers work in intelligence or investigations it takes a team to combat serious and organised crime. Other roles we recruit for include:
・Crime analysis
・Child protection
・Human Resources
・Project and programme management
・Information Technology
・Communications
・Finance and commercial
Whatever your role, as an NCA officer you'll play a vital part in the success of our mission.
Read more about NCA roles [link to NCA roles]
[H1] Ways to join the NCA
There are several different ways to join the NCA, including:
・Direct entry (Initial Operational Training Programme)
・Apprenticeships
・Internships and student placements
・Secondments
・Applying for an open vacancy
Whatever your personal or professional background, there may be a place for you at the NCA.
[H2] Entry level roles
An entry-level role could be the launchpad for your career as an NCA officer. A high proportion of people who join us as interns are offered full-time roles, while many officers who join us in junior support roles move into very different parts of the agency.
Find out more about entry-level ways to join the NCA.
[H2] Experienced professionals
Many officers join us as experienced professionals with several years in the workplace, bringing valuable skills and qualifications to their roles. We believe passionately in career development and while you may join the agency in one role there may be opportunities for you to develop your skills
Find out more about joining us as an experienced professional [LINK to Experienced professionals page]
[H2] Wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel
We offer placements for Armed Forces personnel facing medical discharge under our Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Personnel programme. The scheme provides placements to troops on rehabilitation programmes.
This helps veterans in the transition from military to civilian life, and provides us with a valuable source of highly trained personnel with vast life experience.
If this suits your situation, please speak with your Career Transition Partnership Manager or Commanding Officer.
[H1] Age and nationality requirements
Any essential requirements for specific NCA posts will be listed in the job specification and advert.
There is no upper age limit to becoming an NCA officer, but you must be at least 18 years old. As long as you're fit enough and have the skills and experience we're looking for then age isn't a barrier. All new starters have a health screening as part of pre-employment checks to ensure that you're fit enough to perform in the role.
You must meet Civil Service nationality standards to join the NCA. We’ll normally only appoint nationals from the UK, Republic of Ireland, the Commonwealth and the European Economic Area. It is important that you have not spent a significant time abroad immediately prior to your application.
Read more about ways to join the NCA [link to Ways to join the NCA]
[H1] Benefits and support
All officers in the NCA are members of the UK Civil Service. You will be eligible for:
・Civil service pension scheme
・26 days annual leave rising to 31 on completion of five years continuous service
・Training and development opportunities
・Maternity and paternity leave
・Childcare voucher scheme
・Interest-free season ticket loan
For a full list of benefits available, please see [LINK]
We take the welfare of NCA officers very seriously. All staff have access to occupational health services and there are a number of staff representative groups. We also have a range of sporting and other activities on offer.
We can provide flexible working arrangements if the role in question is suitable. These include flexitime, job sharing and compressed hours (working contracted hours over a shorter period).
Further details of our diversity groups can be found in Inclusion, diversity and equality.