Fraud Investigator (Inverness)

Do you have experience in counter fraud or criminal investigations? Are you looking for an interesting and challenging role where you can work proactively and collaboratively and further develop your team working skills? If so, our Fraud Investigator role could be a great fit for you.

Everyone in Scotland should have the support they need to live their life, and we believe they should be able to get it when and where they need it. That’s why Social Security Scotland is built around the people of Scotland. However, fraud is a known risk to the benefits being devolved, so the agency has developed their response. While our strategy is to design out opportunities for fraud and error through preventative measures where possible, there remains the possibility that fraud will occur. To respond to this, Social Security Scotland’s counter fraud service detects and investigates fraud, taking enforcement action where appropriate.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join Social Security Scotland’s Inverness based External Fraud Investigation team, where you will contribute to the safeguarding of vital resources for the people of Scotland who need them, by gathering and assessing intelligence and carrying out formal investigative action. It also allows the opportunity to engage closely with internal and external stakeholders, be flexible and pro-active in your approach to fraud investigations, be comfortable in a changing environment, and enjoy working collaboratively to identify improvements, exploring new ideas and solutions.

This role is based out of Great Glen House, Inverness, however due to the nature of the role a high degree of flexibility is required and there is an expectation for travel across Scotland from the Inverness base office.

Responsibilities

• Investigation planning to identify relevant enquiries and gather appropriate evidence.
• Conducting interviews with witnesses.
• Conducting formal recorded interviews of suspects.
• Undertaking risk assessments, managing evidence and administering documentation.
• Working closely with other government departments and Police Scotland as appropriate.
• Preparing adjudication reports and case summaries.
• Writing crime reports for submission to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service, and collating production packs, disclosure schedules etc.
• Providing evidence as a witness in prosecution case proceedings and supporting Appeals Officer as appropriate where a Tribunal hearing is requested in relation to a fraud determination.

Experience

• Operational experience in counter fraud or some other form of criminal investigation, ideally to include investigative planning, formal interviewing, statement noting, evidence management and crime report collation.
• Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external partners, seeking opportunities to share resources, information, experience and best practice.
• A sound approach to decision making, with an ability to consider proportionality and necessity when undertaking investigative enquiries.
• An ability to work effectively in a changing environment, demonstrating flexibility and overcoming challenges while also enabling others to do so.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing – (Level 3)
• Delivering at Pace – (Level 3)

How to Apply

Apply online, you must provide a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above. AI tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism or presenting others’ ideas or AI-generated content as your own may lead to withdrawal of the application and potential disciplinary action.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on Experience. Feedback is available on request, though it may not be possible to provide specific feedback if applications are many. We will provide feedback to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.

Information Session

We are holding candidate information sessions for this role to provide information about the application and interview process, as well as further information on the role and team. The session will be held on 27 January 2026 at 12:00–13:00.

Expected Timeline (subject to change)

• Sift – w/c 6 February 2026
• Interview – w/c 16 March 2026
• Reserve List: a reserve list may be kept for up to 12 months if there are more successful candidates than posts.

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless promoted. We are a Disability Confident Employer and provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment.

About Us

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. We offer rewarding careers and a diverse, inclusive working environment with a range of employee benefits. We uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Standard hours are 35 per week with flexible options. We embrace a hybrid working style with a minimum of 2 days per week in Great Glen House, Inverness. Travel across Scotland from the Inverness base is expected.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete BPSS before appointment (Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check). Some roles require additional National Security Vetting clearance. Details are available in the Candidate Guide.

Right to Work and Compliance

Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Check current criteria on Gov.uk before applying. We are committed to equality and inclusion and recruit a diverse workforce. We are a Disability Confident Employer and provide recruitment adjustments as needed.

If you need assistance with the recruitment process, contact recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.

Equal Employment and Further Information

The organisation is committed to fair recruitment, with resources available on our Careers Website and Candidate Guide. If you experience difficulties accessing our site or applying online, contact the Resourcing Team at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.

Apply before 4 February 2026 at 23:55

Contact: Alan Ross, Alan.Ross@socialsecurity.gov.scot