Would you like a career like no other? If so… #JoinUs
South Wales Police brings together thousands of people with the same aim – to keep South Wales safe.
We want to be the best at understanding and responding to our community’s needs. To do this we need the very best candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to become part of our policing family.
We are looking for someone to #JoinUs as a Communications Data Investigator in our Communications Data Investigation Unit. Could you be who we are looking for?
About the team/Department you will be joining:
The CDIU forms part of Crime and Criminal Justice, working closely with the Covert Authorities Bureau and other investigative departments. The team is responsible for the acquisition, management and governance of communications data in accordance with legislation and national standards.
About the role and your key responsibilities:
The post holder should be a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual keen to join our Communications Data Investigation Unit as a Communications Data Investigator. This is a unique, rare and exciting opportunity to become part of a highly specialist team responsible for ensuring the lawful, ethical, and effective acquisition and governance of communications data to support investigations across the force.
As a Communications Data Investigator, you will:
- Act as the senior Single Point of Contact (SPoC) for communications data acquisition, ensuring compliance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Codes of Practice and national standards.
- Support inspections by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) and implement recommendations.
- Manage risks, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy and governance frameworks, referring matters to senior colleagues as necessary.
- Assist on complex cases, carrying out tasks as directed by a supervising practitioner and providing advice and guidance.
- Carry out the analysis of data, information and situations to provide solutions to problems/queries.
- Respond to dynamic incidents that require the acquisition of communications data, you will be comfortable and adept at dealing with unpredictable demand. You will be willing to work a shift pattern that includes working Mon – Fri including both day and evening shifts with a minimum of working one weekend every four weeks (one weekend a month).
What skills and experience do we need you to bring to the role:
We are keen to hear from you if you have:
- Demonstrable experience in communications data investigation and governance, with strong analytical and investigative decision‑making skills.
- Knowledge and experience of the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA 2016), Data Protection Act, RIPA, and Management of Police Information (MOPI), including associated Codes of Practice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft systems and policing information systems (e.g., Niche, telecoms tools).
- A good standard of education to at least GCSE A–C level (or equivalent) including Maths and English, or the ability to demonstrate equivalent skills.
Desirable
- Knowledge of or experience with CHARTER or national policing systems.
- Welsh Language Level 2.
Interested?
If this sounds like you, we’d really like to hear from you.
The successful Candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to MV/SC Vetting.
Please note, if you are an internal candidate and subject to an ongoing PSD investigation, your appointment or placement in the role may be delayed pending an outcome. Whether the role is held open will be considered on a case-by-case basis
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates are currently underrepresented within the Force, we would particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse candidates.
To support the ambition of a diverse workforce, South Wales Place is able to offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). The GIS is available for people living with a disability or identify as ethnically diverse.
If you are an applicant who is living with a disability or from an ethnically diverse background (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) and would like to be considered under the GIS, you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined in the advert and role profile. You should take time to evidence that you meet each of the essential criteria in your application form and/or personal statement and CV.
There are numerous benefits to working for South Wales Police, from learning and development opportunities to schemes which aim to improve your lifestyle and wellbeing, as well as generous Local Government Pension Scheme / Police Pension Schemes, paid annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies and many more, click here for more information.
If you would like any more information about the role, please contact Mark Saunders via email at mark.saunders2@south-wales.police.uk
First time applying for a role with South Wales Police? Be sure to read our application guidance for some hints and tips around the application form and what to expect, click here for more information. Please note the successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to the required level.
