Debt and Fraud Data Sharing Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 is at the centre of the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF). 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. Maintaining close working relationships with HMT colleagues is key to ensure the PSFA can deliver its mandate effectively. The PSFA is a team of c.140 staff members with locations across the country – including Manchester, York, Glasgow and London. As a result, hybrid working is fully embraced and teams are encouraged to collaborate in the various Cabinet Office Hubs around the country.

Within that team, the Digital Economy Act (DEA) Debt and Fraud Data Sharing Secretariat promotes and facilitates debt and fraud data sharing across the public sector and private entities through the DEA gateway. The Team readily and actively collaborates with bodies to manage & reduce debt and to combat fraud. From conception, scoping to delivery the Team provides expert advice including legislative and data governance support, pilot design and delivery, governance and management of Ministerial permissions/sign offs and further into business as usual.

This is a fast-moving and influential HEO role supporting the Cabinet Office’s Debt and Fraud Digital Economy Act (DEA) Secretariat. Working at the heart of government debt recovery and counter-fraud, you will be responsible for promoting and facilitating debt and fraud data-sharing proposals using the powers in the Digital Economy Act 2017. In this role, you will work with public bodies and third parties to develop data-sharing pilots that combat fraud and reduce debt. You will manage these proposals through the Digital Economy Act Review Board and draft Ministerial Submissions to secure formal approvals. As part of the Secretariat team, you will also help develop policy and legislation related to these powers.

You will be a proactive and confident communicator, capable of staying calm under pressure. You must be able to manage multiple projects and prioritise tasks effectively in a complex environment. You will be expected to work independently and represent the PSFA both inside and outside the Cabinet Office. Communicating with impact and nuance—orally, in writing, and through public speaking is essential. You will quickly build strong relationships with senior Civil Servants and technology professionals, balancing various stakeholder needs to deliver results. This role offers a unique opportunity to understand the full landscape of government counter-fraud and debt management. It provides high-level exposure and responsibility across both the public and private sectors in a complex and evolving department.

Key Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement & Promotion: Actively promote the DEA data-sharing powers across the public sector. You will lead cross-departmental networks and build collaborative partnerships to identify new data-sharing opportunities, confidently challenging barriers and "myths" to encourage adoption.
• Pilot Management & Governance: Manage the end-to-end journey of multiple data-sharing proposals. This includes supporting the development of Business Cases and DPIAs, guiding proposals through the DEA Review Board, and drafting Ministerial Submissions for formal approval. Then following up with interim reports and evaluations and benefits realisation to determine the value of the proposal.
• Secretariat & Board Support: Deliver a high-quality secretariat function for the DEA Review Board. You will manage agenda-setting, prepare briefing papers, and ensure accurate record-keeping (minutes), and any other matters arising, handling all matters with confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Policy, Legislation & Capability Building: Support the development of debt and fraud data-sharing policy and legislation. You will help build capability across government by developing guidance, internal communications, and sharing best practices from successful pilots.
• Monitoring & Advice: Monitor live pilots to ensure they deliver against their objectives. You will provide timely, accurate advice to stakeholders (including third-party service providers) on the legislative and governance requirements of the DEA Code of Practice.

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