Many of our officers join the agency several years into an established career, often from outside of law enforcement.
We recruit for many different roles requiring a range of skills, experience and qualifications.
Whatever your role, as an NCA officer you'll be making a real difference in the fight against serious and organised crime.
If you're interested in joining us as an experienced professional, please keep an eye on our latest vacancies. Many of our roles are available on either a permanent basis or on secondment. Please check the advert for further detail on contract terms and conditions.
Vacancies for experienced professionals will often require specific skills or qualifications. Please check the advert for any essential or desirable experience and see section below.
If you're looking for a change of career, there are also a number of ways to join us in an entry-level role and work your way up. These include:
Officer Development Programme (ODP)
Qualifications and Equivalent experience
Operational roles
Investigations
Surveillance
Military Personnel from Intel Corps, SAS, SRR or SBS who have completed a military surveillance course in role will be welcome to apply for roles requiring Q1 (Q100).
On joining the NCA, there will be a week’s conversion course to Q1 (Q100). You will then complete the training, with examinations, to gain your powers. An advanced driving course will also be scheduled within your probationary period.
Intelligence
Candidates with Existing Powers
On joining the NCA all officers from a previous Law Enforcement background will have a professional discussion with an officer from our Operational Standards, Capability & Assessment Unit (OSCAU).
Following this a recommendation may be made for the designation of NCA powers applicable to the officers pre-cursor agency, on a temporary basis whilst the officer studies for the NCA exams, which need to be passed, so that they can be designated with full NCA Quad powers (Constable, Immigration Officer, Customs Officer and General Customs official).
Enabling Capabilities (non-operational) roles
Officers join the agency from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including from police and law enforcement, the Civil Service, NGOs, charities and the private sector. We value the skills and qualifications that experienced professionals bring to their roles, enabling them to hit the ground running.
Most of our officers work in Investigations or Intelligence. But like many organisations we also have supporting or enabling functions we recruit for, including:
- Crime analysis
- Child protection
- Human Resources
- Project and programme management
- Information Technology
- Communications
- Finance
- Commercial
- Legal
- Corporate Business Services
- Senior Civil Service
While these roles may be non-operational, all play a vital role in the success of our mission to protect the public from serious and organised crime.
Training, development and career progression
We're firm believers in professional development to help you achieve your potential. During the course of your career you'll have access to training and opportunities to develop your skills and to try new things. We hope that joining the agency is just the start of a long and successful career with us.
If you're looking for a new professional challenge there may be opportunities for you to move into a new area of work, with all the training, support and guidance to be a success in your new role.
NCA Specials
Another way for experienced professionals to join our team is as an NCA Special. NCA Specials are volunteers with specialist skills that may not be available within law enforcement.
While Specials work on a part-time and volunteer basis they are official NCA officers and make a vital contribution to the fight against serious and organised crime.
