At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex investigations to ensure public procurement integrity.
- Company: Join a high-impact team within the Civil Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, remote work options, and flexi-time.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting public money and influencing government decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in investigations and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59877 - 66869 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool/Birmingham/Newport
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 6th July (Subject to change)
Insight into GCA - Webinar: Watch our Webinar on the above link and gain valuable insight into GCA and our recruitment processes.
Public procurement underpins billions of pounds of taxpayer spending, but what happens when the suppliers awarded those contracts can’t be trusted? The Procurement Act 2023 gave the UK Government new powers to protect public procurement from suppliers who pose a serious risk. The Debarment Review Service (DRS) exists to exercise those powers in a way that stands up to scrutiny. We are looking for someone who can lead complex investigations, exercise sound judgement and influence senior stakeholders across Government. If that sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.
Job Summary: Acting on behalf of Ministers, the DRS investigates suppliers whose past conduct suggests they may be unsuitable to participate in public procurements or be awarded public contracts. As one of two Leads reporting to the Head of Debarment & Investigations, you will be part of a small, high-impact team. You will manage investigations end-to-end and help the wider public sector to understand these new powers.
Key Accountabilities:
- Manage debarment investigations from the initial referral through to ministerial recommendations, including issuing formal notices and managing the collation of evidence.
- Assess supplier self-cleaning evidence to ensure processes are procedurally fair and legally defensible.
- Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across the public sector.
- Apply risk management and market analysis expertise to evaluate evidence of misconduct and determine if it meets the threshold for debarment consideration.
- Collaborate with NSUP and Commercial Policy teams to ensure consistency and share expertise across Government.
- Represent the DRS at both internal and external events and forums, building contracting authorities' confidence in providing the evidence required for referrals.
- Support the Head of Debarment & Investigations and work alongside the other Debarment & Investigations Lead to manage workload and ensure joined-up delivery.
- Draft policy and guidance to support the development and maintenance of debarment operational procedures.
- Lead continuous service improvement to ensure operational procedures remain fit for purpose.
- Lead and guide team members, manage performance to ensure a high-performing team, and support staff development through regular feedback.
Essential Criteria (to be assessed at application stage):
- An understanding of the Procurement Act 2023, particularly the debarment provisions and their aims to protect public procurement and public money.
- Proven ability to build rapport and manage expectations with senior stakeholders across complex organisations.
- Proven ability to lead investigations and make sound, risk-assessed decisions under pressure.
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills, delivering accurate, thorough, and well-reasoned proposals at pace.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrable ability to simplify complex matters and brief Senior Civil Servants and Ministers.
- Line manager experience / capability.
Success Profiles (to be assessed at interview):
- Strengths
- Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
Valuing our people: Competitive salary, Generous pension scheme, A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus, Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location, Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6), Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays.
Want to make a difference? Find out more about the rewarding work that we do in our candidate pack. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
We want to make our recruitment process accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you, please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk.
Working flexibly, delivering outcomes: GCA operates a smarter working model that balances flexibility with collaboration. Successful candidates are expected to spend at least 26 days per quarter (approximately 2 days per week, pro-rata) at their contracted office, another GCA site, or off-site for meetings. For the remainder of the time, you may work from home or another suitable location that meets business needs.
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection Process: A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview. Should you be placed on a reserve list and want to be removed please contact recruitment@gca.gov.uk.
Please note that as part of this recruitment process, if you are unsuccessful at the interview stage but are close to the benchmark score you may be considered for and offered a role at a lower pay band within the same job family.
Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Complaints Procedure: Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles details of which can be found at here. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk in the first instance. If you remain unsatisfied with the response you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk.
Internal candidates should apply using their Workday account. Please use the careers hub for your application.
Debarment and Investigations Lead in Liverpool employer: Crown Commercial Service
As a leading entity within the Civil Service, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact public procurement and taxpayer spending. With competitive salaries, generous pension schemes, and opportunities for professional growth, our culture prioritises flexibility and collaboration, allowing you to thrive in your role as Debarment and Investigations Lead while making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debarment and Investigations Lead in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows you're engaged and gives you a chance to assess if the job is right for you too.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position and remind them why you’re the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Debarment and Investigations Lead in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Job Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Debarment and Investigations Lead. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and how it impacts public procurement. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're the perfect fit for the job.
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your experience in leading investigations and managing stakeholder relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, aim for clarity. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. Remember, we need to understand your points quickly, so make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crown Commercial Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Procurement Act 2023, especially the debarment provisions. Brush up on how these laws protect public procurement and public money, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading investigations and managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've made sound decisions under pressure and how you've influenced senior stakeholders. This will highlight your capability to lead effectively in a high-impact role.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since the role involves managing expectations with senior stakeholders, practice how you would approach building relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex organisations and maintained strong communication, as this will show your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare to discuss how you would evaluate evidence of misconduct and determine if it meets the threshold for debarment consideration. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your thought process and problem-solving skills.
