Intelligence Researcher – Apprenticeship Program 2026

Application Deadline: 12 January 2026

Department: Fraud Intelligence

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: London, UK

Reporting To: Director of Intelligence

Compensation: £25,000 / year

Description

The Apprenticeship Program - Level 4 Intelligence Apprenticeship Cifas is offering a unique opportunity to work alongside industry experts while working towards a Level 4 Intelligence Apprenticeship qualification. We are looking for someone who has an interest in fraud related matters with a passion and exposure to research methodologies and creating Intelligence. This role supports the delivery of timely and accurate intelligence products, researching and developing information on intelligence referrals and providing warnings of fraud threats to our members so exceptional attention to detail and excellent communication skills are paramount for success.

As an Intelligence apprentice, you will enjoy a training programme specific to your role with direct support from the business and specialist trainers from the apprenticeship program to enable your progression. You need to bring passion for the subject, an inquisitive mind and an enthusiasm for professional development. You will be provided with support from the start of your career at Cifas, to enable you to learn about the business and your role as an Intelligence Researcher. The apprenticeship program will commence in the next available cohort following the first 6 months of your appointment.

Why is this an opportunity you cannot miss?

• You will study towards a Level 4 Intelligence Apprenticeship
• The apprenticeship program continues for 15 months + 6 months for End Point Assessment (EPA)
• You will be allowed time during normal working hours to attend apprenticeship workshops and complete the assignments and projects.
• You will work closely with industry experts to gain valuable skills and knowledge working alongside other intelligence analysts across Government agencies and the law enforcement community.
• You will achieve a recognised qualification whilst developing skills and experience in a working environment.

To be eligible:

• There is an expectation that all apprentices must be working at GCSE level or equivalent in Maths and English language.
• You are not eligible for this scheme if you hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level (L4) in the related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.
• You have the right to work in the UK and are able to commute to the London office when required.

We are looking for someone to support the delivery of timely and accurate intelligence products and services that assist Cifas members to detect and prevent fraud and financial crime and develop strategies and policies that mitigate its impact on their business.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor inbound channels and log intelligence referrals into the Intelligence Case Management System (ICMS)
• Research and develop information on intelligence referrals as directed and within agreed service level agreements (SLAs). Where appropriate make recommendations for further development.
• Generate timely, accurate and high-quality tactical intelligence alerts from intelligence referrals and additional information gathered during the development process so that these can be approved and published to Cifas members.
• Respond to external law enforcement, and other requests and provide relevant data, intelligence, and other supporting information from members as directed by more senior intelligence colleagues.
• Maintain and update cases on the ICMS and other internal logging case recording solutions as and when necessary.
• Support the production of regular and Ad-hoc strategic intelligence products through the collection, collation of data and information as required so that this is ready for analysis by more senior colleagues.
• Provide administrative support to more senior intelligence colleagues in meetings with members, stakeholders and internal Cifas colleagues as and when where required.
• Participate in internal team meetings providing updates on workload, as well as contributing ideas and opinions to discussions regarding priorities, process, and workflow improvement.
• As directed monitor open-source channels for new and emerging threats, developments in counter fraud intelligence and investigation techniques and technologies and provide summaries for further analysis by more senior intelligence colleagues.
• Ensure work is accurate, of a high standard and completed in accordance with Cifas internal governance and control framework for the handling of intelligence.
• Actively seek out and engage in opportunities for personal development and an appetite to keep learning.
• A passion and desire to expand your knowledge in the fraud, intelligence and research sectors.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent, and/or relevant previous work experience.
• Experience of consolidating and analysing information from several sources to produce written reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity and/or experience of working in the digital environment including searching, gathering, and collating information.
• Familiarity with Microsoft range of applications including Teams, Word & PowerPoint etc.
• An understanding of the importance of attention to detail to ensure a high degree of accuracy and quality to their work.
• The ability to work as a team player working collaboratively, displaying respect and empathy for others with an open and honest attitude.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Enthusiastic and motivated in delivering output whilst operating within an agreed framework.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

It would also be desirable for you to have:

• A high degree of skill in manipulating data in Microsoft Excel.
• Previous experience of working in a fraud prevention or knowledge principles of fraud and financial crime prevention.
• An understanding of the fraud and financial crime landscape in the United Kingdom.

And advantageous if you have:

• An understanding of the Data Protection Act and how it applies to the sharing of personal data in the counter fraud landscape.
• Previous experience of seeking out opportunities for self-development and assisted learning.

Benefits

• Remote working with approximately 2 days a month in the London office (Euston)
• Generous annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Excellent pension package through salary sacrifice
• Personal and professional growth
• Employee wellbeing – Wellbeing breaks, wellbeing hub access including exercise programmes, meditation guides, sleep stories and yoga.

We have introduced agile ways of working, allowing teams to decide how best they work, while ensuring regular opportunities to collaborate and innovate. We create an environment to help you to unleash your potential and perform the most rewarding work of your career, whilst keeping your wellbeing at the foremost with initiatives in place to promote the wellness of our people. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture and have dedicated inclusion champions across the business to celebrate and promote our uniqueness. We also have a dedicated team of volunteers looking for innovative ways to give back as part of our commitments under our Corporate Social Responsibility. We are also delighted to be recognised in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 best companies to work for listings. We have also been awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation. If you are passionate about our purpose and would like an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to fraud prevention, we would like to hear from you.