The Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) is responsible for holding departments and arms-length bodies to account for their handling of fraud in the public sector. The Authority will write the standards for counter fraud work across government and hold public bodies to account against these. Working in the PSFA offers access to a wide range of stakeholders across government and the opportunity to work with various sectors in a high-profile policy area with high media, parliamentary and ministerial interest.
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. The Unit is commencing operational activity, working with outsourced service providers to take civil action while we build the unit and gain powers through legislation.
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.
A Grade 7 role is available leading delivery of targeted fraud investigation and recovery.
The successful candidate will lead (with another G7) a new team taking action on cases of fraud against the public sector in other government departments and public bodies, developing cases in partnership, initially with a selection of Pathfinder departments and directing outsourced service providers of enforcement services to deliver required value for money recovery and criminal justice outcomes.
The PSFA has now secured new powers under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act. A key part of this role will be to operationalise the team ensuring the operates in line with the design of the unit. Additionally building a case pipeline, and working with policy and legal colleagues to ensure that the unit acts lawfully, has clear operating procedures, and that contractual arrangements with service providers and MoU's with customers benefit from investigative insight and operational delivery expertise. The post holder will be lead delivery against targets, driving innovative investigative practice in a fast-paced environment.
The roles will suit a candidate with investigative or equivalent expertise looking to make a difference at a senior level, with the ambition to build for the future and make a difference in the fight against fraud.
Responsibilities:
* Own delivery of Enforcement targets, ensuring cases contribute value for money and impact, utilising the most effective compliance outcome for each case.
* Initiate, plan and direct case flow to ensure a healthy pipeline of cases from partner agencies, working closely with colleagues in other public sector bodies
* Develop lawful investigation, information management and disclosure processes for end-to-end case flow
* Oversee civil recovery and litigation action
* Oversee recovery of funds using Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 powers (in-house and outsourced provision)
* Plan for expansion and development of team from small initial unit to much larger complement over SR period. Implement PACE 1984 powers and civil penalty powers, supporting legislation which will deliver them.
* Lead and manage the enforcement team. The post holders will role model the highest standards of ethics and integrity, and ensure these are role modelled in their team.