Job Title: Debarment and Investigations Lead
Band: Band 5
Salary: £59,877 - £66,869
Location: Liverpool/Birmingham/Newport
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 6th July
Job Summary
Acting on behalf of Ministers, the DRS investigates suppliers whose past conduct suggests they may be unsuitable to participate in public procurements or be awarded public contracts. As one of two Leads reporting to the Head of Debarment & Investigations, you will be part of a small, high-impact team. You will manage investigations end-to-end and help the wider public sector to understand these new powers.
Key Accountabilities
* Manage debarment investigations from the initial referral through to ministerial recommendations, including issuing formal notices and managing the collation of evidence.
* Assess supplier self-cleaning evidence to ensure processes are procedurally fair and legally defensible.
* Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across the public sector.
* Apply risk management and market analysis expertise to evaluate evidence of misconduct and determine if it meets the threshold for debarment consideration.
* Collaborate with NSUP and Commercial Policy teams to ensure consistency and share expertise across Government.
* Represent the DRS at both internal and external events and forums, building contracting authorities confidence in providing the evidence required for referrals.
* Support the Head of Debarment & Investigations and work alongside the other Debarment & Investigations Lead to manage workload and ensure joined-up delivery.
* Draft policy and guidance to support the development and maintenance of debarment operational procedures.
* Lead continuous service improvement to ensure operational procedures remain fit for purpose.
* Lead and guide team members, manage performance to ensure a high-performing team, and support staff development through regular feedback.
Essential Criteria (to Be Assessed At Application Stage)
* An understanding of the Procurement Act 2023, particularly the debarment provisions and their aims to protect public procurement and public money.
* Proven ability to build rapport and manage expectations with senior stakeholders across complex organisations.
* Proven ability to lead investigations and make sound, risk‑assessed decisions under pressure. Demonstrates strong analytical skills, delivering accurate, thorough, and well‑reasoned proposals at pace.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrable ability to simplify complex matters and brief Senior Civil Servants and Ministers.
* Line manager experience / capability.
Success Profiles (to Be Assessed At Interview)
Behaviours
* Communicating and Influencing
* Leadership
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Generous pension scheme
* A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus
* Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
* Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6)
* Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays
Additional Information
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
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