Introduction
For many people state benefits can make the difference between a
decent standard of living and poverty. But there are some who abuse
the system, a small minority who claim allowances to which they are
not entitled.
Fraud investigation officers are responsible for the prevention
and detection of all kinds of fraudulent activity including
financial irregularities within the council itself. This post that
can be found in all local authorities.
Work Environment
The officer will usually be part of a small team working to the
senior officer in the council's Audit and Review Unit or Benefits
Service. The work takes place in the office, individual homes and
various external agencies and courts of law. Officers may encounter
aggressive and other threatening behaviour.
Daily Activities
In general terms, investigation of alleged fraud, preparing
prosecution files and giving evidence in courts of law will involve
the fraud investigation officer with various agencies on a regular
basis. Internally this will mean working with Audit and Review,
Revenues and Benefits, Licensing and Elections units in the
authority. Externally, the officers liaise with the Police,
Benefits Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and local industry.
The officers overall aim is to address and resolve any problems
involving fraud or irregularity and prevent any adverse effects on
the council's finances and ensure fair play. Officers work closely
with the police, undertaking searches and interviewing witnesses
and suspects leading to arrests. This will entail covert
surveillance operations and having to face potentially hostile
situations while gathering evidence against alleged offenders. It
will also mean that the officers are required to help the senior
investigations officer represent the authority at County and
Criminal Court Hearings and Appeal Panel reviews. It is their duty
to ensure that investigations are conducted properly, in accordance
with Social Security Legislation, Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act 2000, Human Rights Act 1998, Police and Criminal
Evidence Act 1984 and the Theft Act 1968.
It is also part of their duty to provide written reports
relating to fraud activity and detection and major changes in
legislation, for the benefit of the senior officer/investigator and
the Service Manager.
Skills & Interests
To do the job well, you need to have:
- good organisational, communication (oral and written),
investigative and administrative ability
- computer literacy
- understanding of relevant legislation
- the potential for representing the authority at court
hearings
- a professional and calm attitude
- the maturity to cope with potentially aggressive
situations
- the ability to work alone or as a team.
Entry Requirements
A good academic background (educated to "A' level standard) and
experience in a benefits section or relevant environment is
essential. It is desirable to have had training in respect of the
Human Rights Act and an understanding of relevant legislation such
as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and some experience
of fraud investigation procedures and police work. Some
companies/authorities may ask for an Accredited Counter Fraud
Officer qualification such as PINS (Professionalism in
Security)
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Within the Audit and Review unit there are auditor posts to aim
for, and from Senior Fraud Investigation Officer you can progress
to Audit and Review Manager and then perhaps to Head of Finance
with suitable experience and further qualification.
As well as general managerial opportunities in the authority's
corporate sector, there are jobs in the Property directorate, and
in Social Services you can progress to the Welfare Rights Officer
post. Externally there may be opportunities with the
Police.
Further Information & Services
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners www.acfeuk.co.uk
Institute of Internal Auditors www.iia.org.uk
The Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk/home.law
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.