Compliance Inspector

Job description

About the job

Job summary

Can you stay calm under pressure while leading inspections that help keep the UK's land transport network safe and secure?

Do you enjoy building professional relationships, travelling across the country, and making a real impact on national transport security?

If so, we'd love to hear from you!

The Department for Transport's Land Transport Security Compliance team have a key role to play in the Government's counter terrorism strategy, alongside colleagues in other Government Departments, including the Police and Security Service.

Their aim is to protect the travelling public, rail transport facilities (Dangerous Goods, International Rail, Heavy Rail and Light Rail), and those employed in the transport industries from terrorist motivated acts of violence and to retain public confidence in land transport security.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King's birthday.

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at DfTc: Department for Transport Central - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

The posts are an exciting opportunity that focus on direct monitoring and assessing of industry compliance against regulatory requirements of the UK land security regimes, as instructed by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Successful applicants will be appointed as Transport Security Compliance Inspectors and assigned to the Land Transport Security Compliance team in the Department for Transport.

The posts require the ability to deliver results with, at times, light supervision, often under pressure, and working to tight timescales. A flexible approach is needed, as the work does not always fit to standard conditioned hours. The posts require a willingness to travel regularly within the UK including overnight stays.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:

• Undertake observations, inspections, audits and covert tests across Great Britain as part of a risk-based programme of compliance activity to assess and improve industry compliance with security requirements.
• In the event of less than full compliance with the requirements, follow the 'stepped approach' in accordance with internal procedures and guidance, seeking swift and sustainable rectification of any failings by industry.
• Ensure accurate, succinct and focused information about the findings of the above compliance activity are entered into the relevant database in a timely manner to contribute to an accurate picture of compliance levels across the transport industries.
• Liaise with industry representatives on site visits to conduct compliance activities in an effective, professional and consistent manner likely to improve the chances of achieving maximum compliance; ensuring that constructive feedback is given to appropriate industry management and staff at the conclusion of compliance activity.
• Act as Lead Inspector for specific transport entities. Lead Inspector role includes ensuring timely and effective interaction with industry stakeholders to promote best practice; assessing industry security assurance programmes; identifying and assisting with resolution of problems and delivery of credible rectification strategies.
• Willingness to undergo security clearance to SC level. Regular GB travel, typically 3 days per week and possible overnight stays depending on location and type of activity. Must hold full valid UK driving license. Early morning, evening and weekend working by arrangement as necessary. Willingness to be contacted out of hours.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Able to communicate in a succinct, engaging manner using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact ability to stand ground when needed.
• Able to draft high quality written documents/communications.
• Can build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes.
• Ability to actively seek out and share experience to develop understanding and knowledge of own work and of team's business area.
• You should be capable of identifying a range of relevant and credible information sources and recognise the need to collect new data, when necessary, from internal and external sources and successfully manage, support and stretch, self and team to deliver agreed goals and objectives.
• Previous regulatory experience.
• Protective security knowledge.
• Previous experience in an outward facing / Industry contact role.
• Diplomacy/relationship building skills.
• Willingness to undergo security clearance to SC level. Regular travel around London, typically 3 to 4 days per week and possible overnight stays depending on location and type of activity. Must hold full valid UK driving license. Early morning, evening and weekend work by arrangement as necessary. Willingness to be contacted out of hours.

Additional information

The positions being advertised are primarily London-focused and will require successful candidates to be based in London at least three days per week. Official business travel may be claimed in line with the department's Travel and Subsistence policies. Candidates should therefore be prepared to commit to a substantial amount of time working in London.

You may need to undertake a pre-employment medical relevant to the requirements of the role.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 32 hours per week.

Regular travel to other offices and/ or stakeholder sites will be required, typically 3-4 times per week which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

DfTc does not offer Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Licences

The successful candidate will need to hold a full valid UK driving licence.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,090, Department for Transport contributes £10,744 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).

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies.

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 Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

The selection process for this role will be:

Stage 1: Sift of CV and personal statement

Stage 2: Interview and practical assessment

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Sift

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

Experience - you will be asked to provide a CV (unlimited wordcount) and personal statement (1000 word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
• Able to communicate in a succinct, engaging manner using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact ability to stand ground when needed.
• Able to draft high quality written documents/communications.
• Can build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes.
• You should be capable of identifying a range of relevant and credible information sources and recognise the need to collect new data, when necessary, from internal and external sources and successfully manage, support and stretch, self and team to deliver agreed goals and objectives.

The sift will take place from the 12th October 2026.

Stage 2: Interview and practical assessment

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours- Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together, Delivering at Pace.
• Experience
• Strengths

As part of your interview you will be asked to complete a practical assessment. Details will be provided if you are brought through to interview.

The interviews will take place from week commencing 26th October 2026.

This interview will be conducted in person at Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site.

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.

Further information on the selection process

We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for.

During your application, you should indicate which location(s) you wish to be considered for and, if successful, you will be placed on an individual list of candidates for each location. Candidates will be held on that list and drawn from it in merit order. We advise you to carefully consider which locations you wish to be considered for. If you decline an offer for a location you have expressed a preference in or have expressed an interest in more than one location and accept an offer, you will be withdrawn from any lists you may be held on. We may also offer candidates a location that they have not expressed a preference for where we have the requirement to do so but this will again be done on the basis of your place in the overall merit order and, in this event, you will not be removed from the list if you decline.

Appointments for this position will be made in order of merit. If you are successful in the selection process but there are no further available posts for the advertised role, you may be contacted to discuss an offer for a lower graded role (with similar experience and responsibility requirements).

If you are unsuccessful in the selection process, your application may be considered for a lower graded position if your demonstrated skills and experience meet the requirements of the alternative position. Candidates will be considered in order of merit.

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

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

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Pre-employment Checking

If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.

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.

All External applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

• Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
• Threats or acts of violence
• Illegal activity or substance misuse
• Sexually explicit material
• Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It's not about judging your personality or lifestyle-it's about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what's being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (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.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• 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 of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 theCivil 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.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

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 : Jiten Hirani
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here