Investigations Case Officer

The Team

The PSFA was launched on the 3rd August 2022 following an increased focus in government on tackling fraud. It succeeded the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF) in the Cabinet Office. The PSFA is at the centre of this function and leads work across government and public bodies to improve the prevention, detection and recovery of fraud. The PSFA is outcome and performance driven, offers a depth and breadth of expertise and works jointly with HMT to tackle fraud in the public sector.

The PSFA Enforcement Unit is a new team dedicated to enabling action against fraud in any government department or public body. We will assess and develop cases, undertake fraud investigations to the civil and criminal standards, and use Proceeds of Crime Act, Police & Criminal Evidence Act, and bespoke civil powers, to recover funds, impose civil penalties, and seek criminal justice outcomes for the worst offenders. This is supported by new legislation the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recoveries) Act 2025 which provides significant powers to the Enforcement Unit.

The unit will grow quickly over the next two years and develop into an effective fraud investigation function. This is an exciting time to join and lead something entirely new in government, and make a real difference in the fight against fraud.

We are seeking experienced investigators to conduct a range of investigations into fraud against the public sector. The teams will progress criminal prosecutions and civil investigation for both subsequent POCA recovery or civil litigation and debt recovery.

They will develop and progress fraud and financial investigations in accordance with new legislative requirements. This will include acting as disclosure officer if required. These will be used to maximise the effective use of POCA (by AFIs) and other avenues to recover public funds. They will liaise with outsourced contract partners and other government departments to provide investigative services.

The successful applicant will be involved in the development of process and procedures following the passage of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill to support operationalising the powers.

The roles will suit an experienced investigator who wants a new challenge in a new high-profile unit with the ambition to build for the future and make a difference in the fight against fraud.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct lawful investigations developing cases for criminal prosecution, civil litigation, using new compulsory information powers, application of new civil penalties, supporting civil recovery in accordance with POCA powers (by AFIs), ensuring all legal and operational requirements are met on the way to preparing cases for submission for charge advice and/or judicial outcomes, or other compliance outcomes.
• Work with partner agencies in the co-ordination of multi-agency operations
• Working with outsourced partners and their team, sift and analyse large volumes of data, during and follow complex financial investigations, seek and act upon opportunities to obtain evidential material.
• Act as a witness in both civil litigation and criminal prosecutions.
• Build effective external partnerships and collaborate with other government departments and public bodies, and wider UK law enforcement.
• The role will require regular travel to PSFA locations, other offices and locations linked to investigations to conduct interviews and searches as required. This may include overnight stays.
• Assist in the development of operational policies and procedures.

• Qualifications

• Relevant Investigations Qualification and Experience- applicants must hold one of the following qualifications or be able to demonstrate equivalent qualifications or experience:

  • Accredited Membership of the government counter fraud