Criminal Investigation Officer Review
at HMRC
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Tax
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My job role of Criminal Investigator sits within the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), the directorate of HMRC responsible for conducting civil and criminal investigations.
This role involves conducting all aspects of criminal investigation work for HMRC appointed matters. This can include operational activities such as arresting and interviewing suspects, attending hearings and trials, and conducting property searches, as well as desk-based duties involving administrative, analytical, and investigative tasks.
This role involves conducting all aspects of criminal investigation work for HMRC appointed matters. This can include operational activities such as arresting and interviewing suspects, attending hearings and trials, and conducting property searches, as well as desk-based duties involving administrative, analytical, and investigative tasks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have greatly enjoyed the challenge of taking on this new role, and the apprenticeship. I have had a lot to learn, but this has been provided in a structured way, and each day provides new learning opportunities. Each day can be different, and I enjoy the variety this offers.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
This is my first job within HMRC, and within the Civil Service. I have learnt a lot of new skills throughout my apprenticeship, both on the initial 6-months residential training and whilst carrying out my duties since returning from this. This includes everything from practical skills, such as how to conduct a search of a premises, to written skills, such as writing court applications.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I have found the apprenticeship to be well structures, progressing through subject matter at a good place. The initial 6-months was a mixture of online and residential training with a cohort of other apprentices. Following this, I worked on my internal Professional Training Workbook, as well as my apprenticeship. These aspect mesh together to provide a well organised course, and the support available from my employer has been fantastic.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As an apprentice I have received a lot of support from my employer throughout my apprenticeship. I suffered a medical injury requiring surgery a few months after my residential training, and the support offered was fantastic, ensuring that my apprenticeship did not suffer because of this, but also that I did not feel rushed back to work. I am currently in my End Point Assessment period, and the support in the lead up to, and during, the assessments has been very helpful.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have had regular seminars and newsletters from my training provider throughout my course, preparing me for the assessments and signposting the support that I can receive. There is also a plethora of written/recorded material which I can reference any time I have needed to.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My progress through the apprenticeship has reinforced the learning which I have undertaken, and completing units has increased my confidence within my role. Once I have finished, the qualification, and process of attaining it, will have cemented the skills and knowledge I have learnt and used over the last two years and helped me become a qualified investigator.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
As my role falls within the Civil Service, there are a whole host of extra-curricular activities both locally and nationally. This includes inter-department sports events, clubs, and societies through which I have been able to meet new people and expand my network.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend HMRC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend HMRC to a friend. The support I have received within my role and my apprenticeship has been fantastic. Furthermore, as such a large employer there are so many different roles within HMRC, so finding something which suits you is easy to do. The benefits are also great, from sports and social organisations, to opportunities for discounts and memberships (English Heritage etc) as part of certain societies are very useful. Although not I have not personally required it, I also know from colleagues that HMRC can offer a lot of flexibility for families and carers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to HMRC?
There are a huge number of roles available within HMRC, and a lot of different apprenticeships available. Make sure to research all options before applying, and take time over your applications. The way Civil Service applications and interviews are processed may seem daunting, but once you are used to the structure you should be able to let your personality and experience stand out. If you are unsure about anything, reach out to those involved in the application process, who will be more than happy to help.
