Investigation Officer

Job Title: Fraud Investigation Officer
Location of work: Hybrid Working with Reigate Town Hall being main place of work – will be required to work at other locations when required for the role.
Salary: £34,944 to £40,902 per annum (depending on experience)
Basis: Permanent

About the Role of Investigation Officer

The Fraud and Financial Investigations team at Reigate & Banstead are an award-winning team with a passion for preventing and detecting Fraud within the Public Sector. The team have various contracts for other Local Authorities and Public Sector organisations providing a robust approach to ensure all levels of fraud within an organisation are addressed.

The Investigation Officer role offers investigation support to the Senior Investigation Officers by holding a caseload of around 40 cases and completing a thorough investigation in line with CPIA 1996. It is a key role to ensuring the robust approach is met and individual needs of an organisation are considered so that any approach is tailored to the risks identified within each organisation.

There are 3 Investigation Officer roles within the Fraud & Financial Investigation Team. The successful candidate in the new Investigation Officer role will be responsible for managing their own case load on anytime of investigation. They will provide support to the proactive work completed by the Intelligence Officers and Fraud Admin Officers and will report to one of 3 Senior Investigation Officers (SIO).

About the Person we are looking for

You will:

• Undertake work in a range of activities requiring high-level technical expertise in addition to the core function(s) of the role. These activities will require a good high-level knowledge and skill as a Fraud Investigation specialist.
• Currently hold a Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) qualification or have a qualification recognised by the GCFP which can be converted.
• Display a good working knowledge of relevant legislation such as CPIA 1996, POCA 2002, HRA 2008, RIPA 2012, PACE 1984 and PoSHFA 2013.
• Be competent in how to conduct an interview under Caution as a lead officer and the relevant codes of practice within the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
• Have experience of at least 2 years as an Investigation Officer or holding own case load for investigation.
• Be able to manage own case load of between 35 – 40 investigations and able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a busy team, and able to demonstrate prioritization of work.
• Investigate allegations of fraud using a variety of investigative techniques.
• Maintain written and computerised Systems, updating spreadsheets & databases associated with the Fraud & Financial Investigation Team.
• Have experience in preparing prosecution files, giving evidence in cases taken to court ideally under The Fraud Act 2006 and PoSHFA 2013, and represent the authority at Court Hearings.
• Have experience of being a Disclosure Officer and be able to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the disclosure process.
• Work on joint investigations with officers from the Police, Department of Work and Pensions and Inland Revenue, NHS, and other enforcement bodies.
• Assist SIO’s in arrests involving searches, interviewing witnesses and suspects leading to arrests.
• Assist on covert surveillance operations when required.

Staff Benefits
In exchange for your expertise, experience, and enthusiasm, we will offer support in continuing your personal and career development, in addition to providing a wide range of employment linked benefits.

We provide you with competitive annual leave and contribute 15% towards the LGPS pension scheme. You will also have access to a range of discounts including local and high street stores, and salary sacrifice schemes including a cycle lease scheme, and ‘Better’ leisure centre membership.

Additional Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please call Michaela Lambart and Fraud manager on 01737 276518.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, supporting the guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ex-armed forces candidates, who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Closing date: Monday 27th January 2025
Interview date: Thursday 6th February 2025

Values and Behaviours
Our great working environment and the values and behaviours of every individual and team in the Council, help to evolve the culture of our organisation to become more commercial, innovative, and embracing of change. Successful applicants to our career opportunities will be able to demonstrate they share the values and behaviours we seek in our organisation.

See 'Who we are' as a council, to find out more about us.