Internal Investigations Officer in Lambeth

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To lead and undertake investigations into allegations of fraud, bribery, corruption, misconduct and financial irregularities affecting the Council, ensuring effective prevention, detection and enforcement action where appropriate.

The postholder will manage complex investigations involving employees, contractors, members and external parties, provide specialist counter-fraud advice across the organisation, support legal proceedings and contribute to the development of a strong anti-fraud culture. The role requires extensive investigative experience, strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently on sensitive and high-profile cases.

Key Responsibilities

Fraud Investigation & Enforcement

• Lead and manage investigations into:
  
  • Internal Fraud
    
  • External Fraud
    
  • Bribery & Corruption
    
  • Financial Irregularities
    
  • Misconduct
    
  • Malpractice
    
• Assess referrals and determine suitability for formal investigation.
  
• Gather, analyse and evaluate evidence.
  
• Conduct Interviews Under Caution in accordance with relevant legislation.
  
• Undertake criminal and civil investigations.
  
• Prepare cases for prosecution, disciplinary action, civil recovery and other sanctions.
  
• Assist with covert investigations where appropriate and legally permissible.
  

Counter Fraud & Compliance

• Investigate breaches of Council policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
  
• Identify weaknesses in internal controls and recommend improvements.
  
• Support fraud prevention, detection and deterrence initiatives.
  
• Promote an effective anti-fraud culture across the Council.
  
• Act as lead officer for identity verification and identity fraud matters.
  

Legal & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Ensure investigations comply with:
  
  • Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)
    
  • Data Protection Legislation
    
  • Criminal and Civil Evidence Requirements
    
  • Relevant Fraud Legislation
    
• Prepare witness statements, case files and evidential reports.
  
• Liaise with Legal Services regarding prosecutions and recovery actions.
  
• Represent the Council at:
  
  • Criminal Courts
    
  • Civil Courts
    
  • Disciplinary Hearings
    
  • Tribunals
    
• Provide evidence as an expert witness when required.
  

Advisory & Support Services

• Provide specialist fraud investigation advice to managers and officers.
  
• Support colleagues investigating suspected internal fraud cases.
  
• Provide guidance on fraud prevention and control measures.
  
• Assist management teams in responding to suspected fraud incidents.
  
• Deliver fraud awareness and fraud prevention training.
  

Reporting & Performance Management

• Produce detailed investigation reports and recommendations.
  
• Present findings clearly to senior managers and stakeholders.
  
• Develop remediation plans and recommendations for service improvements.
  
• Monitor outcomes and implementation of recommendations.
  
• Maintain accurate records, statistics and management information.
  

Partnership Working

• Develop effective working relationships with:
  
  • Police
    
  • HMRC
    
  • SFIS
    
  • Immigration Services
    
  • Legal Services
    
  • Internal Audit Teams
    
  • Partner Organisations
    
• Facilitate multi-agency investigations where appropriate.
  
• Act as the Council's key contact for National Fraud Initiative (NFI) activities.
  
• Coordinate NFI data matching exercises and fraud prevention activity.
  

Team Support & Development

• Provide coaching, mentoring and support to junior investigation staff.
  
• Assist with service improvement projects and initiatives.
  
• Support the continuous development of investigation procedures and practices.
  
• Contribute to operational planning and workload management.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Significant experience undertaking fraud, financial crime or corporate investigations.
  
• Experience investigating:
  
  • Internal Fraud
    
  • Financial Irregularities
    
  • Misconduct
    
  • Corruption
    
  • Bribery
    
• Knowledge of:
  
  • Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)
    
  • Criminal Investigation Procedures
    
  • Civil Recovery Processes
    
  • Fraud Prevention and Detection Techniques
    
  • Evidence Gathering Requirements
    
  • Data Protection Legislation
    
• Experience conducting Interviews Under Caution.
  
• Experience preparing cases for prosecution or disciplinary proceedings.
  
• Experience producing detailed investigation reports.
  
• Strong analytical and investigative skills.
  
• Experience assessing internal controls and identifying fraud risks.
  
• Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills.
  
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive investigations independently.
  
• Experience working with legal teams and enforcement agencies.
  
• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
  

Desirable

• Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) qualification or equivalent.
  
• Local Authority Counter Fraud experience.
  
• Experience acting as NFI lead contact.
  
• Experience managing covert investigations.
  
• Experience delivering fraud awareness training.
  
• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Lambeth
  
• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments