Job Title: RIPA Compliance Officer - Band D - Covert Functions – SO15
Salary: The starting salary is £38,926, which includes allowances totalling £2,928.
The salary is broken down as £35,998 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £38,523. Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: West Brompton
Job Summary
The RIPA Covert Authorities Bureau (CAB) is a unit within SO15 Covert Functions. The unit specialises in the management of legislative covert authorities in support of CTC investigations. Covert authorities relate to activities including Directed Surveillance, Relevant Source and CHIS activity; as well as covert activity within the HMPPS estate.
As a RIPA Compliance Officer, your role will be responsible for the administration, quality assurance and co-ordination of applications and authorisations for covert activity. You will provide tactical advice and guidance to operational colleagues to best support their investigations. You will ensure best practice is maintained across all covert disciplines and ensure authorisations are compliant and compatible with covert policing legislation, force and CTP policy and Regulations.
In addition to the management of authorities, you will be responsible for co-ordinating disclosure requests within Covert Functions, assist with annual inspections of the unit, deliver training on authorisation procedures and provide admin support to the wider department on the use of HumInt IT systems.
Key Tasks
The post holder will be required to do the following:
- Provide advice and guidance to applicants on RIPA 2000 and associated legislation, policies and case law.
- Ensure applicants understand the requirements under RIPA, PACE, CPIA, ECHR.
- The administration, coordination and management of applications and authorities in line with Part II of RIPA 2000 legislation, guidance, policy and case law.
- Work collaboratively within the unit; with Authorising Officers; and wider stakeholders to ensure key deadlines are met.
- Adept in prioritising and balancing workloads across the team.
- Assist in the prevention and recording of RIPA errors, reporting these as appropriate as per policy and legislation.
- Ensuring authority documentation is appropriately handled and stored in line with STRAP/GSC.
- Assisting in the preparation of management information reports surrounding authorities and wider performance reports to support Covert Functions SLT.
- Maintaining compliance to ensure SO15 are well positioned for yearly external inspections.
- Utilise appropriate computer systems and maintain a record of all SO15 CTC authority data.
- Respond to Investigatory Powers Tribunal Directions.
- Deliver training on making RIPA applications.
- Any other duties as directed by the head of unit.
- Support health & well-being initiatives in the workplace.
Vetting
This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.
This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.
This post requires British nationality (some dual nationals may be ineligible) and an Enhanced Security Check (eSC)/Developed Vetting (DV)] clearance.
As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
Confidentiality Agreement
Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.
Our Employee Commitments
Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of “Working to keep people safe from Terrorism”.
Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’.
Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).
How to apply
To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button below. 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. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 23rd October 2025.
Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.
Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview.
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