Debarment and Investigations Lead

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Public procurement underpins billions of pounds of taxpayer spending, but what happens when the suppliers awarded those contracts cant 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, wed 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