At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fraud prevention and investigation for the Erasmus+ programme.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in cultural relations and education.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by protecting public funds and ensuring programme integrity.
- Qualifications: Experience in investigations and risk management; strong analytical skills required.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.
About the British Council
The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. Through arts and culture, education and the English language, we create opportunities and strengthen relationships across borders.
Erasmus+ Statement
The Department for Education has announced that the British Council has been nominated to take on the role of national agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.
Purpose of the Role
The Fraud Manager plays a key role in supporting the effective prevention, detection and investigation of fraud and incidents of non-compliance across Erasmus+. Reporting to the Senior Fraud Manager, you will be responsible for delivering fraud risk management activities, conducting investigations, managing fraud casework and supporting the implementation of robust fraud prevention controls across the programme. Working closely with delivery teams, compliance colleagues and key stakeholders, you will help strengthen programme resilience, protect public funds and ensure fraud risks are identified, investigated and managed effectively.
Main Accountabilities
- Support the delivery of the Erasmus+ fraud risk management framework and control plan.
- Conduct fraud risk assessments and maintain fraud risk registers.
- Identify vulnerabilities across the grant lifecycle and recommend improvements to controls.
- Support the implementation of preventative measures to reduce fraud risk.
- Conduct proactive fraud detection activities, including data reviews, red-flag monitoring and risk-based sampling.
- Assess allegations and referrals and recommend appropriate next steps.
- Lead investigations into suspected fraud, irregularities and non-compliance.
- Gather, analyse and evaluate evidence to support findings and recommendations.
- Prepare investigation reports and maintain accurate case records.
- Produce clear fraud reports, management information and recommendations.
- Support internal audits, assurance reviews and governance reporting.
- Monitor fraud trends and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with programme, finance, legal, compliance and risk teams.
- Support engagement with auditors, regulators and external partners where appropriate.
- Promote a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across the programme.
- Deliver fraud awareness training and guidance for colleagues and stakeholders.
- Support the development of fraud prevention tools, guidance and controls.
- Identify lessons learned and contribute to improvements in policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
Role Specific Knowledge and Experience
Essential- Experience conducting investigations, case reviews or fraud-related enquiries.
- Experience assessing risk and implementing risk-based controls.
- Experience gathering, analysing and evaluating evidence.
- Experience preparing investigation reports and presenting findings.
- Experience working with compliance, audit or assurance frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information.
- Experience working with a range of stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
- Ability to make sound decisions and exercise professional judgement.
- Experience working within public sector, government-funded or grant-funded programmes.
- Experience delivering fraud awareness training or prevention initiatives.
- Experience working with auditors, regulators or enforcement agencies.
- Experience managing complex investigations involving multiple stakeholders.
- Experience using case management systems, reporting tools or analytical software.
Specific Requirements
- Degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Fraud-related qualification or equivalent desirable.
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), ACFS (Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist) or similar qualification desirable.
- Written and verbal proficiency in English.
- Ability to work effectively within a hybrid environment.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
E+ Fraud Manager employer: British Council
The British Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stratford, London, where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on international education and cultural exchange. With a strong commitment to professional development, diversity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative culture that values integrity and transparency, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to global connections and understanding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land E+ Fraud Manager
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like British Council looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace E+ Fraud Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at British Council. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with British Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
