Digital Forensics Hub Manager

About this role

Digital Forensics Hub Manager

Job Title: Digital Forensics Hub Manager

The salary is broken down as £52,653 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £57,417. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Join the Metropolitan Police Service’s Digital Forensics (DF) team as a Digital Forensic Hub Manager – an exciting opportunity to make a real impact.

We are seeking motivated and skilled individuals to lead, mentor, and develop a team of Digital Forensic Technicians and Assistants. In this role, you will ensure the efficient and timely processing of submissions, supporting frontline officers in delivering the Met's mission to keep London safe.

As a Digital Forensic Hub Manager, you will play a key role in reviewing approved submissions and shaping forensic strategies to drive focused, proportionate investigations. You will also identify opportunities to maximise investigative outcomes and strengthen criminal investigations through innovative forensic approaches.

Please be aware this role involves exposure to disturbing, offensive or indecent material (occupational health support will be made available).

Role Duties and Responsibilities

As a Digital Forensic Hub Manager, you will lead a team dedicated to supporting police investigations through digital forensic expertise. Your key responsibilities include:

• *Team Leadership:*Manage a team conducting forensic examinations of mobile devices and computers (technicians and assistants).
• *Case Assessment:*Evaluate submissions and develop effective digital forensic strategies.
• *Workload Management:*Oversee and prioritise workloads to ensure timely delivery.
• *Collaboration:*Work closely with colleagues to achieve organisational objectives and partner with the Directorate of Forensic Services and DF managers to implement and deliver change.
• *Quality Assurance:*Operate within the Directorate’s Quality Management System, actively contributing to continuous improvement through audits, competence testing, reporting non-conformances and quality incidents, and recommending enhancements.
• *Line Management:*Provide leadership and guidance to Digital Forensic Technicians (Band I) and Assistants (Band E).
• *Court Attendance:*Act as a witness of fact when required.
• *Reporting:*Collate and deliver management information to support operational and strategic decisions.
• *Compliance:*Ensure adherence to quality management systems and ISO accreditation standards, as well as all Health and Safety obligations.

Expectations & Working Conditions

• Provide a DNA sample and fingerprints to be held on Forensic Services’ elimination databases.
• Agree to abide by the MPS Standards of Conduct
• Role holders’ place of work will be within one of the Digital Forensic Level 2 Hubs. Support/relocation may be required across the MPS estate and staff will need to work flexibly to support the organisation’s needs
• Understand and accept the core principles set out in the H&S Policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities
• Work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities, engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests, reporting non-conformances and proposing changes to improve the system
• (If applicable) may be required to have the appropriate inoculations
• Comply with the requirements of the Metropolitan Police Service policies on Drug and Alcohol testing (substance misuse)
• Comply with security policies
• Understand and accept the personal responsibility to protect and maintain the confidentiality of all Met information and any intellectual property.
• Comply with mandatory training requirements
• Comply with and promote Metropolitan Police Service policies on diversity and inclusion both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday during normal office hours, in line with the organisation’s flexible working policy. However, this is subject to operational needs, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate flexibility to support team coverage between 7am and 7pm.
• The department is also considering a move to a 24/7 operating model in the future. All new staff will be required to agree to support this if implemented, although shifts will be covered by volunteers wherever possible.
• The role holder may come into contact with disturbing, offensive or indecent material. Digital forensics currently operates an annual Psychological Screening Assessment which you will be required to undertake.
• The role holder should be able to communicate effectively and appropriately with colleagues, officers and third-party service providers/suppliers.
• Ensure the productivity of the Digital Forensic Hub and service delivery to officers and the Criminal justice system by meeting department targets for examinations of devices
• Gain and maintain role-specific competencies in digital forensic examinations.
• Effectively manage staff and implement MPS policies as required by becoming familiar with financial, HR, case management, and other key MPS systems.
• Develop and maintain information technology and digital forensics skills.
• Support, develop and mentor other digital forensic staff.

Work collaboratively other digital forensic hubs and lab staff, knowing when to seek advice and support from senior practitioners.

Application Process

The initial application process will comprise

• An online application assessed against two elements of the CVF, both at Level 2:
• Innovative and open minded
• We are Emotionally aware
• A CV and Personal Statement evidencing how you meet the essential criteria for the role (300 words maximum)

Following the closure of the vacancy, applicants will be contacted by the Hiring Manager with details of an online test.

The online test will be completed prior to any sift activity taking place. Applicants successful at the online test stage will progress to paper-sift. Those successful at paper-sift stage will then be invited to interview.

The interview will be assessed the remaining CVF elements, all at Level 2:

• We collaborate
• We support and inspire
• We analyse critically
• We take ownership

Met values and principles will not be subject to questions but will be evaluated throughout the process.

Within the interview there will also be three technical questions.

If selected for the role, all candidates must attend and pass Grade II training. This is a mandatory requirement of the role. If unsuccessful despite support, Unsatisfactory attendance and performance will be instigated.

Initial training will be full time between 9am and 5pm at Lambeth HQ for approximately 6 months, due to this it will not be possible to support flexible working patterns during this time. Once competent, all reasonable requests will be considered in line with the MPS expectations around agile working. This role is classified as operational.

We will be using an 18-month reserve list. Should any further vacancies arise during this period, they will be offered to eligible candidates from the list.

Additional Information

This role does not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance. If you are currently in a shift-working role, SDA should cease upon appointment to this job.

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button “. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate.