Job summary
Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt (CFCD) has been through wide transformation and continues to do so to ensure it can operate effectively for the future, has visible leadership and teams which work together as One CFCD to deliver the Fraud, Error and Debt Strategy.��
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team committed to tackling Fraud encountered through Economic and Serious Organised Crime.�
DWP Economic, Serious and Organised Crime (ESOC) Strategy compliments and aligns with the Home Office Strategy, the DWP Fraud, Error and Debt Strategy and the Risk and Intelligence Strategy.��
Its objectives are to:��
1. Maintain a clear and coherent intelligence picture of the threat to inform our investigations, capability development and protect and prevent capabilities.�
2. Conduct high quality investigations targeted at the highest harm threats leading to judicial outcomes, disruptions and asset recovery.��
3. Promote our successful operations both internally and externally to deter and prevent further criminality.��
4. Exploit a range of data sources to identify and respond to threat.��
5. Engage with stakeholders across DWP, HMG, Law Enforcement and partners to shape policy, operations and capability development.��
6. Maintain and invest in our capabilities to stay ahead of the threat.�
ESOC Threats and Prioritisation involve:�
7. Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking � Vulnerable people exploited to abuse the benefit system.��
8. Web Enabled Fraud � UC and other online frauds on an industrial scale.��
9. Insider Threat � internal abuse of position to facilitate fraud�
10. Identity Fraud � large scale use of false and hijacked identities to attack the welfare system.��
11. Organised Economic Crime � large scale abuse of the system including organised criminals setting up fake/shell companies providing false invoices/payslips to claim benefits and payments. .���
Additionally, as work streams change and DWP reacts to the changing behaviours in criminal activity, the Economic Serious & Organised Crim (ESOC) investigators must keep pace with modern methods of criminality, this includes the use of crypto currencies to mask monies derived from fraudulent activity.�
Job description
DWP is the lead agency for tackling economic serious and organised criminality against the welfare system. DWP�s Economic Serious and Organised Crime (ESOC) investigators are part of a National team with geographical representation throughout the UK. We are responsible for, and are committed to detecting, preventing, dismantling and prosecuting organised criminals facilitating benefit offences and abuse. Serious offenders often receive substantial custodial sentences.����
The role of ESOC is primarily to investigate fraud in the welfare system perpetuated by organised criminal groups. This mostly involves working across multi law enforcement agencies on high profile and serious fraud operations involving multi suspects in multi-million-pound criminality.���
Key Tasks include:��
12. Working directly to an Officer in Charge (OiC) of a criminal investigation.�
13. Undertake Interviews Under Caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).�
14. Submit prosecution files in accordance with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and National File Standard guidance.�
15. To undertake tasks as directed by an OiC to support the progression of investigations, including, but not exclusively, as listed.�
16. To research a variety of information/intelligence sources and collate relevant information that will be required for investigation, and evaluate information in accordance with legislation and guidance.�
17. Complete and approve Requests for Information (RFIs) as required.�
18. To record, retain and review material collected during the course of the criminal investigation for Disclosure purposes � such as banking information, benefit systems, CCTV footage, statements from witnesses, mobile phone messages, social media conversations and photographs.�
19. To liaise confidently, promptly and professionally with all internal staff and outside agencies in respect of the work of the team.�
20. To keep abreast of current, new and proposed legislation relating to criminal investigations.�
21. To understand the need for a range of interventions, including �prevention�, �disruption� and �prosecution� in ESOC investigations.�
22. To handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately, ensuring all information/evidence is processed in accordance with legislation and guidance.�
23. To attend Court hearings as directed by the OiC or to assist the OiC.�
24. To provide statistical information where required on investigations, working with colleagues and/or the OiC.�
25. To complete Disclosure schedules as advised by the OiC, providing Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with schedules of any unused material and identifying any material that undermines the case for the prosecution or assists the case for the defence.�
26. To process enquiries/applications in line with established procedures for handling and disclosure of information relevant to Court Proceedings.�
27. To prepare information for disclosure and disseminate to CPS within agreed timescales.�
28. To apply initiative and knowledge gained in the handling of complex enquiries.�
29. To quickly respond to emerging threats by disrupting live attempts to defraud DWP benefit systems.�
30. Demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering a high standard of service at all times by managing own workload, prioritising to ensure all deadlines are met.�
31. To be aware of the Unit�s objectives and ensure maintenance of, and adherence to, quality standards, service level agreements and customer requirements, highlighting areas for improvement where appropriate.�
Person specification
Person specification
32. A flexible, agile outlook and approach.
33. Innovation, drive and creative thinking.�
34. Good presentation and communication ability with excellent written/drafting skills.�
35. Ability to make sound business decisions, at pace.�
36. Honesty, integrity and probity.�
37. A personal demeanour that inspires confidence and loyalty.
38. Good communication skills using a variety of communication methods including digital and telephony.�
39. Ability to provide excellent Customer Service.�
40. Sound and confident decision making ability.�
41. Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders and work collaboratively with colleagues.�
42. Strong IT skills to enable navigating a range of computer systems.�
43. Ability to work in a challenging and rewarding environment and ensure actions are completed in a timely manner.�
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Key Criteria:��
Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following Key Criteria:
44. �You can research and understand complex information, taking responsibility for making effective decisions while being able to explain how they were reached in a clear and concise way.� �
45. You can demonstrate clear and concise communication skills; use a variety of communication methods including digital and telephony with the ability to express ideas, adding value to ways of working.� � �
46. You can develop effective relationships with key stakeholders and organisations, working collaboratively with colleagues within teams and across the organisation. �
47. You display strong IT skills to enable navigation of a range of computer systems and software packages.��
Desirable skills:
For roles based in Wales an ability to speak Welsh is desirable.
Please be aware: �
Please note that the role that you are applying requires National Security Vetting (NSV) to the level � Security Check (SC). You can find more information at �
If you are successful in your application, you will need to attain SC clearance before you can take up post. This is mandatory and is in addition to completion of Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). �
The purpose of the NSV process is to provide a level of assurance about an individual�s trustworthiness, integrity and reliability, and other factors that increase their vulnerability to corruption or risk of committing a security breach. It involves the investigation of an individual�s background and circumstances to achieve this aim. �
To be eligible to apply, you will need to have 5 years continual UK residency prior to the date of your application. In certain circumstances a minimum period of 3 years may be considered with additional checks. If you do not have continual UK residency, we will not be able to proceed with your application, because you will be unable to obtain Security Clearance. This includes if you have been out of the UK for six months or more during this time. �
The application process will ask for personal details about you, your address history, previous relationships, your parents, your employment history, your financial circumstances, and details of any pending, spent or unspent convictions. This list is not exhaustive. Please view the for more information. �
If you require any further information, please contact the vacancy holder � the details are on the jobs portal through which you made your application.�
If you are successful in your application, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the NSV process and advise that you collate as much information as you can prior to starting your Vetting application. �
If you go on to attain Security Clearance, then you should be aware of the following:�
Behaviours expected of you to maintain clearance�
Keeping your clearance is dependent upon maintaining good security behaviours. You must: �
48. Not take any illegal drugs.
49. Always act with honesty and integrity and, if you are a Civil Servant, adhere to the .
50. Always act in a way that will not put you at risk of being unduly influenced, exploited or blackmailed by people such as criminals and journalists.
In addition to the above candidates who are successful will be asked about the following before we offer them a position. �
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Candidates must declare to the best of their knowledge: � �
51. Any disciplinary finding of guilt / failure to meet the appropriate standard of conduct relating to their employment they have ever had. �
52. Any charge of a disciplinary offence / notification of a failure to meet the appropriate standards they have ever had where the case has not yet been concluded. �
53. Any past convictions, criminal findings, or police cautions, regardless of whether they are �spent�, they have ever had. �
54. The disclosure of this information will not automatically disbar the candidate from this role but we need to be aware of any event or issue which could impinge on the candidate�s credibility if questioned in court. �
What Checks are Involved �
55. Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. �
56. Completion, by the individual, of a security questionnaire. �
57. A departmental/company records check which will include, for example personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records. �
58. A check of both spent and unspent criminal records. �
59. A check of credit and financial history with a credit reference agency.
60. A check of Security Service (MI5) records. �
61. Exceptionally, if there are any unresolved security concerns about the individual, or if recommended by the Security Service, the individual may also be interviewed. �
62. In the event of any unresolved financial concerns, the individual may also be required to complete a separate financial questionnaire so that a full review of personal finances can be carried out. �
63. Checks may extend to third parties included on the security questionnaire. �
Travel Requirements - you will be required to attend:
64. Briefings and operational planning with external stakeholders such as Police, Lawyers, Barristers. �
65. Interviews under Caution. �
66. Organise and participate in arrests, search and seizure. �
67. From arrest location, transport evidence to office or a secure location in preparation for court. �
68. Attendance at Court for applications of Orders and Confiscation/Civil hearings. �
Successful candidates will need to be able to travel, retrieve evidence and be available at short notice. Due to the nature of the role this could be at any location nationally and during unsociable hours (both night/day and weekends). A departmental vehicle OR hire car may be made available if you hold a full UK driving license. �
Learning Requirements: �
Successful candidates must be willing to attain the mandatory Level 4 Investigations apprenticeship, required to undertake the technical functions of the role which is expected to last 18 months. Please note that any required training is full time and will require travel.
If you already hold the following equivalents to the Level 4 Investigations apprenticeship, you will not be required to do the apprenticeship.
69. Accredited Counter Fraud Investigators Programme (ACFIP).
70. Professionalism in Security (PinS) Accredited Counter Fraud Officer.
Candidates are advised that all colleagues are required to undertake any future mandatory learning for their job role.
Where a qualification is not achieved, it would not be possible to fulfil the role requirements and candidates will be redeployed, within CFCD where possible, following Workforce Management Policy and Procedures.
The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) is committed to investing in people and ensuring their teams are a professional workforce. It is a requirement of Counter Fraud post holders within DWP to attain, and retain, membership of the GCFP (Government Counter Fraud Profession) at Practitioner level. This means if you are successful in applying for this role you will need to undertake an annual self-assessment to evidence your knowledge, skills, and experience within your role to attain and retain practitioner level membership. We provide post holders with a learning routeway to support them in achieving as well as any workplace adjustments they may require. Failure to attain membership of the GCFP at Practitioner level may result in DWP seeking an alternative role for you.��
In applying you will have indicated that you have read and fully understood the professional requirements for this Counter Fraud Officer role. �
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
71. Making Effective Decisions
72. Communicating and Influencing
73. Working Together
Benefits
Benefits including:�
74. Generous annual leave - 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro�rata for part time employees), plus bank holidays and one day of leave for the King�s Birthday. The exact number of days of annual leave will be determined by any current years of service.�
75. Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave we also recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and offer flexible working and a family friendly approach to work.�
76. Training and apprenticeships and up to 5 days� personal development & learning allowance�
77. Flexible/hybrid working�
78. Employee discount schemes�
79. Free wellbeing support�
80. Opportunities to make a real difference through joining forums, initiatives & charities�
81. Interest free travel loans�
82. Vodafone advantage discount scheme�
83. Highly sought after civil service pension- your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where: �
- The employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension. �
- Your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and �
- Your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. �
- For more information, visit ���
Location �
Applicants should apply for suitable posts where they can travel to and from their home office location daily within a reasonable time. �
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed. �
Hybrid Working �
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. �
HASSRA
DWP colleagues will have the opportunity to join HASSRA, a vibrant and successful organisation that provides a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly). It also has an important part to play in helping us achieve a healthy work-life balance and wellbeing in the workplace.