Fraud Investigator – Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA)

The PSFA was launched in 2022 to spearhead the government’s fight against fraud, succeeding the Government Counter Fraud Function. As part of the newly established Enforcement Unit, you will join a high-profile team dedicated to protecting public funds through the implementation of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recoveries) Act 2025. This is a rare opportunity to join a growing, outcome-driven function that wields significant legislative powers to recover funds, impose penalties, and seek criminal justice outcomes for the most serious offenders.

About the Role

As a Fraud Investigator, you are a specialist enforcer tasked with operationalising the government’s new compulsory information and civil penalty powers. You will lead investigations to both civil and criminal standards, navigating complex financial data to build cases for prosecution or litigation. This role is highly collaborative; you will act as a bridge between the PSFA, outsourced contract partners, and wider UK law enforcement. From conducting interviews and searches in the field to acting as a witness in court, you will be at the forefront of a unit designed to grow into the UK’s premier fraud investigation function.

Key Responsibilities

Comprehensive Investigations: Conduct lawful criminal and civil investigations, utilizing POCA powers and new compulsory information gathering tools to recover public funds.
Case Development: Sift and analyze large volumes of financial data to prepare robust cases for charge advice, judicial outcomes, or civil compliance.
Multi-Agency Coordination: Collaborate with partner agencies and law enforcement on large-scale, multi-agency operations.
Evidential Integrity: Act as a Disclosure Officer and expert witness in both civil litigation and criminal prosecutions.
Operational Strategy: Assist in the development of the unit’s new operational policies and procedures following recent legislative changes.
Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with outsourced partners and other government departments to provide high-quality investigative services.

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential Qualifications: 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. Applicants must hold one of the following (or equivalent):

Accredited Membership of the Government Counter Fraud Profession
CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) or Diploma in Counter Fraud Management
PIP Level 2 or above (or relevant previous qualification such as CID qualified)
Level 4 Counter Fraud Investigator
Relevant Professional Qualification (Accountancy or Law) or a Degree in Fraud Investigation
PINS qualification (Portsmouth University) or ACFIP (Accredited Fraud Investigation Programme)

Required Experience & Skills:

Recent experience in civil, criminal, regulatory or contract fraud investigations
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.

Benefits & Working Arrangements

Hybrid Working: A minimum of 60% of your working time is spent at your principal workplace or attending locations for official business.
Operational Travel: This role requires regular travel to PSFA and investigation-linked locations for interviews and searches, which may include overnight stays.
Pioneering Environment: Be a founding member of a new unit with significant growth potential and a mandate to shape the future of government enforcement.
Pension & Leave: Standard competitive Civil Service benefits apply (including the high-employer contribution pension).

To apply for this job please visit restless.co.uk.