At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investigations into suppliers for public contracts and manage evidence collection.
- Company: Join a high-impact team within the Civil Service, dedicated to public procurement integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, remote work options, and flexi-time.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Understanding of procurement law and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59877 - 66869 £ per year.
Band: Band 5
Salary: £59,877 - £66,869
Location: Liverpool/Birmingham/Newport
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 6th July
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)
- Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
- 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
Additional Information
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.
Debarment and Investigations Lead in Liverpool employer: Government Commercial Agency
As a leading employer in the public sector, we offer a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact through your role as Debarment and Investigations Lead. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for flexible working arrangements. Join us in Liverpool, Birmingham, or Newport, where you will be part of a high-performing team dedicated to upholding public integrity and fostering professional development.
Contact Details:
Government Commercial Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debarment and Investigations Lead in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in public procurement or investigations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Procurement Act 2023. Understand its debarment provisions inside out so you can impress the panel with your knowledge and show them you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to simplify complex matters for senior stakeholders. Try explaining tricky concepts to friends or family to get comfortable with it before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
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 really understand the role of Debarment and Investigations Lead. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us tailor your application to show how you fit the bill perfectly!
Show Off Your Skills:When you're crafting your application, don’t hold back on showcasing your analytical skills and experience with investigations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and make sound decisions under pressure. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We love a well-structured application! Make sure your writing is clear and to the point. Avoid jargon where possible and focus on simplifying complex matters. This will not only impress us but also show off your communication skills, which are super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Commercial Agency
✨Know Your Legislation
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 money, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading investigations and managing teams. Be ready to discuss how you've guided team members and ensured high performance, as well as how you handle pressure when making decisions.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with senior stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific instances where you managed expectations and communicated effectively across complex organisations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice simplifying complex matters into clear, concise points. You may need to explain intricate details to Senior Civil Servants and Ministers, so focus on honing your verbal and written communication skills before the interview.
