IDVA Senior Policy and Standards Advisor

About The Job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

Our team is rapidly growing as we invest in new technologies and capabilities, and we are in search of enthusiastic individuals who can help us in achieving our mission. We are continually improving the service we give to our customers and, in line with this, we are creating a new response and management team within the HMRC Fraud Prevention Centre.

The Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC) is a strategic capability within HMRC Security, designed to safeguard customers and the organisation against identity-related fraud and emerging threats. Its mission is built on three interconnected pillars: Protection, Detection, and Response, all underpinned by advanced threat intelligence and customer support. The Centre operates across multiple functional areas, including Proactive Protection, Customer Support & Response, and Strategy & Advisory, to deliver a holistic approach to fraud prevention.

Job Description

You will play a leading role in the day-to-day delivery of HMRC's identity policy and standards service within the Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC), reporting to the G7 Implementation Lead. Collaborating with senior leaders and partners across HMRC, you will help define, maintain, and improve the policies, standards, principles, and guidance that support the management of identity, access, and fraud risks. The role covers identity fraud prevention, identity verification and assurance (IDVA), and identity and access management (IAM), ensuring requirements are clear, proportionate, and capable of being translated into practical delivery across services, channels, customer journeys and enabling technologies.

You will function as an authoritative source of advice and good practice, helping policy owners, security, risk, assurance, implementation, and service teams understand and apply identity-related requirements. Working closely with the G7 Implementation Lead, you will support the implementation and embedding of identity-related change by identifying gaps, delivery barriers, and risks, and by providing evidence-based advice, challenge, and recommendations. You will also help maintain FPC and IDVA as a recognised centre of expertise for identity policy, standards and governance, supporting HMRC's contribution to wider security, risk, compliance and cross-government identity standards activity, and helping ensure identity, assurance, access and fraud prevention requirements are reflected in relevant frameworks and governance products.

Person specification

Knowledge of relevant identity, access management, cyber security, and assurance standards, such as NIST 800-63, NIST 800-53, UK DIATF and Government Counter Fraud Standards, with the ability to apply them proportionately in FPC and IDVA policy, governance, assurance, and delivery contexts. Ability to interpret technical , policy, risk and operational requirements and translate them into clear, practical standards, guidance, and delivery expectations.

Strong stakeholder engagement, written communication and influencing skills, with confidence to advise, explain, challenge, and produce clear products for senior and non-specialist audiences.

Ability to use evidence, risk information, assurance findings, and management information to identify gaps, support implementation, track adoption and recommend improvements..

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with fraud prevention and cyber security identity assurance, or IAM frameworks and how they support proportionate policy and standards decisions.
• Experience supporting policy development, governance, assurance, or standards adoption within a regulated, security or public-sector environment.
• Relevant professional accreditation or equivalent experience in identity, security, information assurance, risk, data protection or change delivery. (e.g., CISM, CISSP, or IAM-specific qualifications).
• Understanding of digital identity technologies (e.g., MFA, federation, zero trust) and their relevance to practical policy implementation.
  
  

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Office Closures

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

These Sites Are

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
• Telford Plaza, Telford - moving to Parkside Court, Telford
• Trinity Bridge House, Salford - moving to an alternative office in Manchester/ Salford
  
  

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Location

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC's Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Technical Skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Knowledge of security policy and applying it within a delivery environment. Please see the associated framework linked in the interview section.
• Analysing data to develop guidance. Please see the associated framework linked in the interview section.
  
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,544, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £13,194 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.

Family friendly policies.

Personal support.

Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How To Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history, qualifications and previous experiences. Your CV should cover up to your last 5 roles, detailing your responsibilities and key achievements (max 100 words per word).
• A 750-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria.
  
  

Please evidence any (Desirable Criteria where applicable), (including any ODP experience or qualifications you have) (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Prior to applications being sifted, candidates will be asked to complete an additional IKM assessment. Candidates will be sent details of the assessment once the advert has closed. This assessment is timed and is pass or fail; only those who pass will be considered at the sift stage. If you have any queries about the assessment, or require any reasonable adjustments, please contact talentacquisitionteam@hmrc.gov.uk

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your CV.

At full sift all behaviour statements, your CV and your Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, your experience and strengths will be assessed, in order to determine your suitability for the role, as well as explore what you enjoy, and what motivates you.

You will also be asked technical questions pertaining to the following frameworks:

• Government Security Profession Career Framework
• Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework
  
  

You will be asked technical questions on the following topics:

• Knowledge of security policy and applying it within a delivery environment.
• Analysing data to develop guidance.
  
  

This is an example of a strengths-based question

"It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?"

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref]

& vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important Information For Existing HMRC Contractual Homeworkers

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality Requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out 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 (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run 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, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : John Moore
• Email : john.moore1@hmrc.gov.uk
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
  
  

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.