Undertake and innovate the capture, processing, and analysis of specialist digital forensic evidence.
This occupation is found in organisations that undertake and innovate regarding the capture, processing, and analysis of specialist digital forensic evidence. These roles can be found in different public and private sector bodies and organisations that include digital forensics and criminal investigations within their service delivery. There is a significant demand on policing to examine digital devices making this a primary service offered by forensic service providers to policing. The role is relevant to Security and Defence teams including the National Crime Agency, Ministry of Defence, Border Force, Academia, and other aspects of the Criminal Justice System. Private forensic service providers service all public sector requirements for device examinations as well as other investigation types not just criminal, including internal corporate and Intellectual Property theft investigations. These companies vary in size and breadth of digital capability.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to act as a senior advisor within the digital forensic environment and support and manage the delivery of digital services for major crimes, incidents, operations, or any investigations that require specialist digital forensic investigative assistance. They provide an enhanced specialist service and knowledge regarding the detecting, preserving, seizing, gathering and analysing of digital intelligence and evidence for investigations where digital technology and data acquisition opportunities exist. They have an advanced understanding of digital forensic investigation techniques and demonstrate an ability to work independently, managing processes and complex technical problem solving. They can produce, develop, design and implement appropriate tactical digital forensic strategies for challenging and atypical crime investigation scenarios and/or emerging digital forensic practice. A key aspect of this role is the research and development of emerging digital technologies and ensuring practices are developed to support investigations. As such it is critical to attract talented experienced digital staff into this role. The titles of the roles may vary across different organisations including police forces, but the core skills required of the role remain the same.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their local forensics team and across the forensic capability and academia nationally where emerging technology is encountered. They will provide technical advice and guidance to digital forensic practitioners and advise investigating officers on digital strategy. They will support the criminal justice system understand the impact of the evidence which will include legal counsel. As part of their role to embed emerging practice and improve effectiveness they will have daily interaction with unit lead and quality managers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the exercise of broad autonomy and judgement across a specialism developing digital forensic strategy. Explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner to support criminal or civil prosecutions.
They will critically capture, process and analyse complex digital material and information, concepts and theories to produce investigative best practice. Taking responsibility for planning and developing innovative practice that initiate or underpin substantial changes or developments. Advise and influence on the financial implication of technological and process improvements considerate of return on investment.
Engage with external stakeholders, such as digital forensic service providers, academia, and industry experts, to foster collaborations, share knowledge, and remain informed and embed advancements in the digital forensic field. Continuously monitor and research emerging technologies, tools, and techniques in the field of digital forensics, staying up to date with the latest developments and best practices to enhance investigative capabilities. Adherence to strict professional ethics, ensuring the confidentiality, privacy, and security of all digital evidence and maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the forensic process.
The role requires security vetting, adhering to the legal framework, and an expectation to work to professional policing standards and Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and the Conduct of Forensic Science Providers codes of practice.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 36 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
A project with a dissertation
You will be asked to complete a Dissertation. The title and scope will be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. As part of the project, you need to write a Dissertation and submit this to the EPAO. The Dissertation should be a maximum of 8000 (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 26 weeks to complete the project and submit the Dissertation to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 90 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 10 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Chartered Institute of Information Security for Chartered
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Cyber Digital Investigation Professionals for Chartered
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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