Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) Placement Opportunity

Please ensure to read this advert thoroughly before applying, as it is open to 2nd year undergraduate students enrolled on a Digital Forensic related course. Students studying for a Master’s degree are not eligible.

Eligibility

Students must be in full‑time education at the time of the placement. If you wish to apply, speak to your university contact to determine if your course is relevant. If you or your university contact are unsure regarding eligibility, please contact people@sfo.gov.uk.

About the DFU

The DFU is responsible for handling all digital evidence seized by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). This includes collecting evidence on site, forensic processing of seized items, and converting them into a format that Case Teams can access through the SFO Digital Review System (DRS). The team works closely with the Case Support Team and third‑party suppliers to ensure required material is delivered in a timely and appropriate manner.

Placements: Overview

The SFO offers a work‑placement opportunity within the DFU in London. The placement is designed for undergraduate students enrolled in a Digital Forensic related course and will allow you to observe and support the members of the DFU and gain hands‑on experience of ongoing investigations.

Security and Confidentiality

All successful candidates will undergo security vetting, including a criminal record check. Candidates must sign official documents such as the Data Protection Act and the Official Secrets Act and are expected to maintain strict confidentiality regarding any case‑related information.

Learning Outcomes and Responsibilities

• The examination of a range of digital devices (e.g., computers, mobile devices, and removable media)
• Compliance with ISO 17025/FSR through adherence to and review of in‑house policies and procedures
• Participation in SFO Search Operations (depending on operational requirements)
• Identification and decryption of encrypted material
• Report writing under the supervision of experienced DFU staff
• Acquisition of digital evidence in line with SFO policy and the Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and ISO 17025
• Processing of acquired data for ingestion into the SFO eDiscovery platform
• Attending SFO search operations to observe and assist Digital Forensic Examiners in triage, seizure, and acquisition of digital devices (depending on operational requirements)
• Validation and use of a range of forensic tools and software
• Working with various Case Teams to develop an understanding of Serious and Complex Fraud and Bribery investigations

Interview Process

Behaviour, experience, and technical criteria as outlined in the job pack will be assessed at interview. Candidates invited to interview will also be required to complete an assessment. Full details of the interview process will be communicated to shortlisted candidates in the interview invitation. Sift is scheduled to take place from 3 February 2026, with interviews expected to take place w/c 2 March 2026. All dates are indicative and subject to change.

Fixed‑Term Appointment

This is a fixed‑term appointment for 12 months with a possibility of extension (subject to business need). For permanent civil servants joining the SFO on a fixed‑term appointment, please note that the preferred option is a loan transfer from your home department to allow return at the end of the appointment. If a loan transfer cannot be agreed, you may transfer to the SFO on a permanent basis, losing your civil service status but retaining continuity of employment.

When your fixed‑term appointment ends, your civil service employment will end unless:

• An extension has been agreed by the SFO
• Conversion to permanent status has been agreed by the SFO
• You are redeployed into a suitable alternative post
• You secure another civil service post through a recruitment process

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code outlines the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\'s recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities, and runs a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. For more detail, see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Benefits

• Salary of £24,409, with the SFO contributing £7,071 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years\' service plus an additional day for the King\'s Birthday, with the option to buy or sell up to five days per year.
• Discretionary performance‑related bonus scheme.
• Interest‑free season travel ticket, bicycle loan, and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Access to the Rental Deposit Salary Advance Scheme to assist with private rent deposits.
• Opportunities for learning and development.
• Flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly policies.
• Voucher for eye care and discounted spectacles.
• Access to a range of discounts through membership of the Civil Service Sports and Social Club (CSSC Sports and Leisure).
• Maternity and paternity leave provision over and above statutory entitlements.
• Access to the CPS Rewards Gateway, offering discounts with high‑street retailers, savings on grocery shopping, special salary sacrifice and recognition schemes, reloadable gift cards and e‑cards, and instant vouchers.

Additional Information

Any move to the Serious Fraud Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. If you move between government departments, you may be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax‑Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

Further details on key responsibilities can be found in the attached Job Pack. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.