Investigations Case Officer

About this role

Details

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer

Business area

CO - Public Sector Fraud Authority

Type of role

Other

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share

Number of jobs available

3

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

About the job

Job summary

The Team

The PSFA was launched on the 3rd August 2022 following an increased focus in government on tackling fraud. It succeeded the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF) in the Cabinet Office. The PSFA is at the centre of this function and leads work across government and public bodies to improve the prevention, detection and recovery of fraud. The PSFA is outcome and performance driven, offers a depth and breadth of expertise and works jointly with HMT to tackle fraud in the public sector.

The PSFA Enforcement Unit is a new team dedicated to enabling action against fraud in any government department or public body. We will assess and develop cases, undertake fraud investigations to the civil and criminal standards, and use Proceeds of Crime Act, Police & Criminal Evidence Act, and bespoke civil powers, to recover funds, impose civil penalties, and seek criminal justice outcomes for the worst offenders. This is supported by new legislation the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recoveries) Act 2025 which provides significant powers to the Enforcement Unit.

The unit will grow quickly over the next two years and develop into an effective fraud investigation function. This is an exciting time to join and lead something entirely new in government, and make a real difference in the fight against fraud.

We are seeking experienced investigators to conduct a range of investigations into fraud against the public sector. The teams will progress criminal prosecutions and civil investigation for both subsequent POCA recovery or civil litigation and debt recovery.

They will develop and progress fraud and financial investigations in accordance with new legislative requirements. This will include acting as disclosure officer if required. These will be used to maximise the effective use of POCA (by AFIs) and other avenues to recover public funds. They will liaise with outsourced contract partners and other government departments to provide investigative services.

The successful applicant will be involved in the development of process and procedures following the passage of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill to support operationalising the powers.

The roles will suit an experienced investigator who wants a new challenge in a new high-profile unit with the ambition to build for the future and make a difference in the fight against fraud.

Job description

Responsibilities

• Conduct lawful investigations developing cases for criminal prosecution, civil litigation, using new compulsory information powers, application of new civil penalties, supporting civil recovery in accordance with POCA powers (by AFIs), ensuring all legal and operational requirements are met on the way to preparing cases for submission for charge advice and/or judicial outcomes, or other compliance outcomes.
• Work with partner agencies in the co-ordination of multi-agency operations
• Working with outsourced partners and their team, sift and analyse large volumes of data, during and follow complex financial investigations, and seek and act upon opportunities to obtain evidential material.
• Act as a witness in both civil litigation and criminal prosecutions.
• Build effective external partnerships and collaborate with other government departments and public bodies, and wider UK law enforcement.
• The role will require regular travel to PSFA locations, other offices and locations linked to investigations to conduct interviews and searches as required. This may include overnight stays.
• Assist in the development of operational policies and procedures.
• The post holder must hold a recognised investigations qualification (or approved exemption through prior experience), either accredited in their current role or in a previous role within two years and willing to be reaccredited.

Person specification

Qualifications to include

• Relevant Investigations Qualification and Experience- applicants must hold one of the following qualifications or be able to demonstrate equivalent qualifications or experience:
• Accredited Membership of the government counter fraud

profession

• CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS)
• CIPFA Diploma in Counter Fraud management
• Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) level 2 or above or relevant previous qualification such as CID qualified,
• Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator
• Relevant degree in Fraud Investigation
• Relevant Professional qualification – Accountancy or Law
• Professionalism in Security (PINS) qualification accredited by Portsmouth University
• ACFIP- Accredited Fraud Investigation Programme
• Skills in evaluation, insight and decision-making – maximising data and insights to best effect, and deciding the best course of action
• Ability to form and deliver through collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders, managing different expectations and goals to ensure delivery of outcomes.

Essential skills criteria

• Recent experience in criminal fraud investigations
• Recent experience of evidential case file submissions
• Relevant Investigations Qualification and Experience- applicants must hold one of the following qualifications or be able to demonstrate equivalent qualifications or experience:
• Accredited Membership of the government counter fraud

profession

• CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS)
• CIPFA Diploma in Counter Fraud management
• Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) level 2 or above or relevant previous qualification such as CID qualified,
• Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator
• Relevant degree in Fraud Investigation
• Relevant Professional qualification – Accountancy or Law
• Professionalism in Security (PINS) qualification accredited by Portsmouth University
• ACFIP – Accredited Fraud Investigation Programme.

Additional information

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Presentation

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,250, Cabinet Office contributes £11,370 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

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.