Job summary
Do you have an interest�in dealing with criminal or financial investigations and/or law enforcement? Are you interested in helping vulnerable people by tackling criminal activity? Are you motivated to deliver the right outcomes in challenging situations? �The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be the place for you.�
This is a hugely important public service, and our challenge is bigger than ever. DWPs Economic Serious and Organised Crime team is the arm of DWP�s Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt Directorate that deals with complex and sophisticated attacks on DWP benefits and grants payments � usually by Organised Crime Groups.�
DWP are looking for people with relevant experience to help tackle organised criminality against DWP through prosecution and/or disruption activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Counter Fraud and Compliance Directorate (CFCD) on a team committed to tackling fraud, encountered through our Economic and Serious Organised Crime (ESOC) team. You will be at the forefront of tackling serious and organised crimes against DWP, which often has links into wider criminality of modern slavery, human trafficking, and identity fraud. �
You will work across multiple law enforcement agencies, on high profile and serious fraud operations involving many suspects in multi-million-pound criminality. �
Financial Investigator skills will be used to conduct Confiscation and Civil investigations on behalf of DWP.�
Specialist training and support will be provided to help you attain a nationally recognised qualification within this field. �
Financial Investigators are responsible for undertaking Financial Investigations using the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 legislation, (amended by Criminal Finance Act (CFA) 2017) and Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 1988.�
Additionally, as work streams change and DWP reacts to the changing behaviours in criminal activity, investigators must keep pace with modern methods of criminality: this includes the increase in Money Laundering activity and the use of crypto currencies to mask monies derived from fraudulent activity.�
�Any person undertaking Financial Investigation work must be accredited at the appropriate level via the National Crime Agency (NCA), to carry out their duties. In doing so they must attain and evidence knowledge in relation to the legislative requirements as detailed above.�
Job description
Your role will be varied with no two days being the same, and you will be empowered to make decisions working alongside multiple agencies. �
What will you be doing as either a Criminal or Financial Investigator? �
1. Lead criminal investigations or financial investigations (criminal and civil) into serious and organised crime against DWP to a successful outcome.�
2. Engage and collaborate with colleagues, law enforcement agencies and partners across DWP and Government, on joint operations into organised crime. �
3. Conduct formal briefings with law enforcement agencies, including senior police officers and leaders on the likely impact of operations. This includes press interest notifications and accurate and timely completion of Advanced Warning reports. �
4. Organise and participate in arrest, search, and seizure procedures in accordance with Warrant legislation and Departmental guidance. �
5. Undertake advanced interviews under caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). �
6. Make informed decisions, as to the appropriate legislation and powers to be used and timelines to be imposed on investigations. �
7. Work closely with Crown Prosecution Service/Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to develop evidence requirements. Prepare all submissions in relation to prosecution, confiscation, and civil actions for court. �
8. Carry out the role of the Disclosure Officer and be able to produce accurate Disclosure Schedules and adhere to the requirements of an Exhibits Officer as required. �
9. Confidently use expert knowledge of the case, engage with lawyers and barristers in investigations, including understanding and progressing directions from Counsel and the Courts at pace. �
10. Give evidence in Magistrates/Crown Court or Sherriff/High Court and manage witnesses and victims during the investigation and prosecution process. �
11. Work with DWP colleagues to reduce and stop further benefit loss. �
Responsibilities �
As an Investigator you will: �
12. Demonstrate integrity and probity that inspires confidence.�
13. Have strong leadership and interpersonal skills, as some roles may have line management responsibility. �
14. Lead investigations at pace, with the ability to collaborate with internal/external partners to achieve successful outcomes.�
15. Be flexible and positively embrace creative thinking to prosecute and disrupt criminal activity. �
16. Good presentation and communication ability with excellent written/drafting skills. �
17. Ability to make sound business decisions, at pace, while protecting the public purse and victims �
18. Excellent, planning, delegation, and organisational skills, as well as strong negotiating and influencing skills. �
19. Excellent collaboration skills, representing DWP in national multi agency meetings requiring strategic decisions. �
20. Be able to build knowledge of the range of tools, techniques and technology used by organised crime groups to attack Government payment systems. �
21. Be a team player and able to work as part of a team, as well as lead activities internally and externally.
22. Have the confidence and ability to deliver strategic operational briefings to large teams of partners Police, National Crime Agency (NCA) and Immigration colleagues.
Person specification
What we are looking for in our Investigators:�
23. You will have some previous experience and/or a qualification in carrying out investigations or law enforcement. �
24. You have the skills to gather, interpret and analyse complex information and data from various sources, at pace, challenging where appropriate, to reach sound conclusions demonstrating clear decision making. �
25. You are a confident, inspirational and driven leader, able to take charge of situations and provide direction to those around you, to achieve results ensuring the best use of resources. �
26. You have the ability to work closely as part of a team, with key partners and stakeholders within and outside of the organisation, navigating complex situations, policies and procedures. �
27. You can present complex information in a clear and concise manner, drawing conclusions and presenting recommendations where appropriate, outlining the considerations you have made. �
28. You are proactive in developing and maintaining positive and professional working relationships with diverse groups of people and organisations, prioritising the needs of the business while negotiating best outcomes for all stakeholders. �
29. You can interpret and work within set rules and processes, setting and monitoring progress against milestones whilst still being able to innovate in an ever-changing environment. �
30. You have a focus on building your own and others capability, continually reviewing learning needs and development to ensure changing business requirements can be delivered professionally at pace. �
Key Criteria
Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following Key criteria:�
31. Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external partners, demonstrating your ability to build relationships to agree common objectives, and sharing resources and information.�
32. Experience of leading an investigation, your decision-making process and how you�ve involved others to consider the wider impact.�
33. Experience of organising and prioritising your workload. How did you ensure progression and take action to address risks to timescales.
Desirable Criteria
34. If based in Wales, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable.
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:�
35. Not take any illegal drugs.
36. Always act with honesty and integrity and, if you are a Civil Servant, adhere to the .
37. 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 to complete an integrity declaration before we offer them a position. �
Candidates must declare to the best of their knowledge: �
38. Any disciplinary finding of guilt / failure to meet the appropriate standard of conduct relating to their employment they have ever had.��
39. 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.�
40. Any past convictions, criminal findings, or police cautions, regardless of whether they are �spent�, they have ever had.�
41. 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?�
42. Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard.�
43. Completion, by the individual, of a security questionnaire.�
44. A departmental/company records check which will include, for example personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records.�
45. A check of both spent and unspent criminal records.�
46. A check of credit and financial history with a credit reference agency.�
47. A check of Security Service (MI5) records.�
48. Exceptionally, if there are any unresolved security concerns about the individual, or if recommended by the Security Service, the individual may also be interviewed.�
49. 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.�
50. Checks may extend to third parties included on the security questionnaire.�
Learning Requirements
Accreditation
Successful candidates are required to undergo a mandatory Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship (CFIA), required to undertake the technical functions of both criminal and financial investigator roles. �
DWP endorses the use of apprenticeships and successful candidates meeting the (CFIA) eligibility criteria will be required to complete this learning programme and achieve the level 4 award (as a condition of their appointment). �
CFIA includes face to face learning elements which the applicant needs to be aware could require them to travel outside of daily travelling times and incur overnight stays away from home.�
Functional Skills at Level 2 for English and Mathematics are a requirement of all apprenticeships. Learners who are not already qualified to this level or who are unable to produce certificates verifying this will be required to complete functional skills assessments as part of their learning journey.�
More details on what is involved in this learning can be found in the links below:�
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Candidates are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the requirements of this learning.�
In addition, Financial Investigators must be able to attain the accreditation status of Financial Intelligence Officer (FIO) and Financial Investigator.�If required by the business, candidates may additionally undertake Confiscator and/or Civil Powers accreditation.�
Please note that any required training is full time.�
Candidates posted to this role must achieve accreditation via the National Crime Agency, to fulfil their duties. �
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. �
Government Counter Fraud Profession
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.
Travel Requirements - you will be required to attend: �
51. Briefings and operational planning with external stakeholders such as Police, Lawyers, Barristers.�
52. Interviews under Caution.�
53. Organise and participate in arrests, search and seizure.�
54. From arrest location, transport evidence to office or a secure location in preparation for court.�
55. 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. �
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
56. Leadership
57. Making Effective Decisions
58. Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Benefits including:
59. 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.
60. 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.
61. Training and apprenticeships and up to 5 days� personal development & learning allowance
62. Flexible/hybrid working
63. Employee discount schemes
64. Free wellbeing support
65. Opportunities to make a real difference through joining forums, initiatives & charities
66. Interest free travel loans
67. Vodafone advantage discount scheme
68. 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. �