Operational Security Advisor - OpSy
Post Title: Operational Security Advisor
Type of contract: Permanent
Rank/Grade: Grade E
Directorate/Department: Specialist Operations – Intelligence Operations
Statement of expectation for the role: Full Time
Vetting level required: MV/DV
Location: Within City of London
Salary: £40,910 - £46,400 + £6,710 Inner London Allowance
Description of Department:
The department provides covert and sensitive policing capabilities to the force.
Purpose of the Role:
The Operational Security Advisor (OpSy) is an independent advisor with the strategic objective to reduce the Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) operational security risk. The OpSy advises on the security, integrity and ethical conduct of all law enforcement techniques, particularly covert tactics. The OpSy will seek to implement and maintain consistency in standards of security and practice in accordance with legislation, national guidelines and local policy.
Key attributes:
- Judgement and decision making: able to navigate complex situations objectively
- Teamwork and collaboration: ability to work effectively within a team and build strong working relationships.
- Self-motivation: Capable of working independently with a high level of motivation and initiative.
- Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Key accountabilities
Advise and support senior investigators in the planning and delivery of investigations using covert law enforcement tactics with an emphasis upon risk assessment and risk management.
Protect covert methodology and equipment by the appropriate application of the ‘Neither Confirm Nor Deny’ principles.
Protect assets including staff, capabilities, intellectual property and organisational reputation.
Develop policy and operational practice by review and implementation of approved recommendations.
Provide and facilitate expert advice in managing risk in covert and relevant overt activities.
Risk mitigation to counter the risk of corruption and insider threats by utilising anti corruption capabilities.
To review covert and relevant overt methodology, at all levels within the organisation, to ensure that standards and effective practices are met and maintained.
Report operational security incidents and/or compromises to allow learning and reduce the risk to future operations.
Undertake and participate in audit and inspections of the Sensitive Intelligence Unit (SIU) in conjunction with the SIU Manager, as determined by local arrangements and the Sensitive Intelligence Network (SIN) National Assurance program for SIUs
Essential Criteria – including the behaviours that will be tested at application/interview:
- Proven operational experience (tradecraft) within a covert policing role
- High levels of commitment, excellent self-motivation and judgement skills.
- Experience in managing diverse and dynamic teams.
- The ability to work as part of a team and bring departments together
- Proven ability to make fast time high risk decisions.
- Ability to produce accurate reports and plans.
- Knowledge of RIPA and Part 3 Police Act authorities
- Be willing to attend a number of residential and non-residential courses and maintain Continued Professional Development
- Specialist training and experience in operational security techniques and approaches
- Any offer of employment is dependent on successfully obtaining MV/DV vetting prior to employment and satisfactory completion of a probationary period
Desirable Criteria (If applicable):
- OPSY qualification and operational experience within law enforcement or a government body.
- Have previously been PIP2 qualified
Competency and values framework
The competency and values framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes the behaviours required by police officers and staff to be effective in their roles and uphold the Code of Ethics for Policing.
Values: The CVF has three values. These values apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority:
Courage
Respect and empathy
Public service
Competencies The CVF has six competencies, which are split into levels. These levels can be used flexibly to allow for a better fit with frontline and non-frontline policing roles, and at different levels of seniority.
This role should be operating at, or working towards, the following level: Level 2: Supervisor or middle manager
Applicants who fail to address the skills/knowledge/experience of the job description will not be considered.
If you would like to discuss the post in more detail, please contactDCI Sarah Smallwood sarah.smallwood@cityoflondon.police.uk
The closing date for applications is 10 00hrs Friday 2nd May 2025
This vacancy is open only to those who have the right to work in the UK.
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The City of London Police is keen to promote flexible working and will, subject to operational policing requirements, proactively consider all applications to work flexibly. Please note that there is limited opportunity for flexi working within this role.
The City of London Police is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
A diverse workforce improves the service we provide to our public by making us more approachable and relevant within our communities. This is why it’s vitally important that we recruit people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural issues and a wide range of skills. We therefore particularly encourage female and people from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities to join us.
The way we work is changing. With a few exceptions most roles will be able to accommodate part time, job share and flexible working patterns. We can also offer hybrid working patterns of home and office based shift patterns. Feel free to speak to us about any flexible working requirements.
The Force has a number of Staff Support Networks that can offer you support and advice. Applicants are very welcome to contact the networks directly if they need any support or ask any question before they apply. For further information on the networks and their contact details please visit: