At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Intelligence Officer to combat fraud and protect public resources.
- Company: Be part of Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service, renowned for excellence in counter fraud services.
- Benefits: Enjoy accredited training, flexible working, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic, high-pressure setting.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in IT and a detail-oriented mindset are essential; driving ability required.
- Other info: Open to secondments; we support Disability Confident initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 21800 - 25000 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £26,835 opportunity to progress to £30,060 per annum (pro rata for part time) – pay award pending
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage/Hybrid
Contract Type: Fixed Term End Date/End of July 2027
Directorate: Resources
About The Team
Join Our Award-Winning Team at Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS). Are you ready to make a difference in the fight against fraud? SAFS is expanding, and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team of intelligence officers. SAFS provides top-tier counter fraud services to partner organisations across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Our work is recognised for excellence, and we are committed to protecting public resources and ensuring justice.
What We Offer:
- Accredited training
- A dynamic and supportive team environment
- Opportunities to work on high-impact cases
- A chance to develop your skills in a high-pressure, target-driven setting
- The satisfaction of delivering excellent outcomes and meeting client KPIs
About The Role
As an Intelligence Officer, you will play a crucial role in detecting crime and preventing fraud and loss. You will:
- Collaborate with councils and social housing providers
- Triage referrals and build comprehensive intelligence packages
- Collate and gather intelligence from various sources
- Interrogate a wide range of systems and use data to conduct proactive fraud drives
- Utilize a variety of systems to support wider investigations
We need individuals who are:
- Detail-oriented and analytical
- Able to thrive under pressure
- Skilled in developing professional relationships
- Proficient in IT and eager to learn and develop
If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, apply now and become a part of our mission to combat fraud.
If this post was to be extended the successful candidate will be expected to complete the Counter Fraud Investigator Level 4 Apprenticeship. Entry requirements for the apprenticeship are Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE A*-C/9-4 or equivalent). Applicants without this would need to achieve this alongside their apprenticeship before completing their end point assessment. Applicants with a Level 4 or higher qualification in a related area would not be eligible for the Apprenticeship.
About You
Essential:
- Proficient in the use of IT software packages including Word and Excel
- Ability to drive and/or travel around the County is required for this role
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of local government or social housing
- Experience of intelligence gathering
- Experience of working under pressure and meeting deadlines
- Experience in a customer facing role
The successful candidate will be part of the successful Anti-Fraud Service, whose aims and objectives are to detect crime, prevent loss of public funds and make financial savings. Whilst employed by the County Council, SAFS is a partnership of authorities, and you will engage with a number of services across all of those partners organisations.
The Council supports flexible working allowing for a mix of home and office working.
Please complete the personal statement with your CV to demonstrate skills and abilities that would enable you to excel in this role. We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
This job role is within the Corporate Services, level CORP7 job profile.
To hear more about this opportunity please contact Paula Hornsby, Counter Fraud Manager, for an informal discussion about the role.
Interview Date: 15th July 2025
Benefits of working for us
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Secondment
This position is open to secondments. If you work for HCC or any other Local Authority and would like to be considered as a Secondment contract, please ensure you complete the Secondment Form as part of your application. If you do not, your application will be considered as a Fixed Term Contract only.
Additional information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Driving Required: You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Intelligence Officer employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Intelligence Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of an Intelligence Officer, especially around intelligence gathering and data analysis. This will help you articulate your understanding of the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of fraud prevention and local government. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising responses to common questions related to working under pressure and meeting deadlines. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) and their recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Intelligence Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of an Intelligence Officer. Focus on your analytical abilities, IT proficiency, and any experience in intelligence gathering or working under pressure.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Use the personal statement section to elaborate on your skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for this role. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated attention to detail, relationship-building, and problem-solving in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications related to counter fraud or local government, be sure to mention them. Also, include any training or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in this field.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and personal statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of an Intelligence Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As an Intelligence Officer, being detail-oriented and analytical is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully analysed data or gathered intelligence to solve a problem. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
Since the role involves interrogating various systems, make sure you are familiar with common IT software packages like Word and Excel. Brush up on any specific tools mentioned in the job description, as this will show your eagerness to learn and adapt.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-life situations related to fraud detection and prevention. Think of scenarios where you had to meet tight deadlines or work under pressure, and be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
The ability to build professional relationships is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight any customer-facing experience that showcases your interpersonal skills.