OR122645 – Internal Investigations Officer – Financial

About the Role

You will independently manage reactive investigations, gather and evaluate evidence, conduct interviews under caution and support criminal or civil proceedings where appropriate. You will also provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues, helping strengthen internal controls and prevent future financial losses to the Council.

This is a varied role requiring strong investigative skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage sensitive and complex cases with minimal supervision.

Main Purpose of the Role

• Lead and undertake complex investigations into suspected fraud, financial irregularities, bribery, corruption and malpractice.

• Investigate allegations involving Council employees, contractors, elected members and external organisations.

• Gather, assess and secure evidence in accordance with relevant legislation and investigative procedures.

• Conduct interviews under caution and prepare cases for criminal prosecution, civil recovery or disciplinary action.

• Identify weaknesses in internal controls and recommend improvements to prevent fraud and financial losses.

• Provide specialist advice, guidance and operational support to investigation officers and Council departments.

• Promote fraud awareness and support the development of a strong counter-fraud culture across the Council.

• Act as the Council’s lead contact for Identify Fraud enquiries and identity document verification.

Typical Day Overview

A typical day will involve reviewing new fraud referrals, assessing allegations and deciding whether they require formal investigation. You will plan and lead investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, gather documentary evidence and liaise with internal departments and external agencies.

You may also prepare investigation reports, review financial records, identify control weaknesses, support legal proceedings and provide advice to managers dealing with suspected internal fraud.

The role will also involve mentoring junior investigators, monitoring investigation progress and ensuring cases are completed within agreed deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Fraud Investigation

• Lead investigations into suspected internal and external fraud, corruption, bribery and financial misconduct.

• Investigate breaches of Council policies, procedures and codes of conduct.

• Conduct interviews under caution and evaluate evidence against suspected offenders.

• Support investigations involving covert surveillance where legally authorised.

Evidence Gathering and Legal Proceedings

• Ensure evidence is obtained, recorded and secured in accordance with PACE and relevant legislation.

• Prepare investigation files, formal statements and detailed reports.

• Support criminal prosecutions, civil recovery proceedings and disciplinary hearings.

• Represent the Council in criminal and civil courts, providing evidence as an expert witness where required.

Fraud Prevention and Risk Management

• Identify weaknesses in departmental processes, financial systems and internal controls.

• Recommend corrective actions to reduce the risk of fraud and financial loss.

• Support proactive fraud prevention exercises and awareness initiatives.

• Contribute to the development of counter-fraud policies and procedures.

 Stakeholder and Multi-Agency Working

• Work closely with Council departments, solicitors, managers and investigation officers.

• Liaise with external organisations including the Police, HMRC, Immigration and SFIS.

• Represent Lambeth Council in meetings and multi-agency investigations.

• Provide specialist advice on fraud-related matters and recovery of Council assets.

Reporting and Team Support

• Prepare detailed investigation reports outlining findings, evidence and recommendations.

• Monitor investigation performance and contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

• Provide coaching, mentoring and training to junior investigators.

• Support the development of fraud awareness and identity fraud training.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant experience conducting complex fraud and financial crime investigations.

• Strong knowledge of fraud, bribery, corruption and financial misconduct investigations.

• Experience conducting interviews under caution.

• Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and relevant investigative legislation.

• Experience gathering, assessing and presenting evidence for criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings.

• Ability to prepare detailed investigation reports and formal witness statements.

• Experience working with internal stakeholders and external enforcement agencies.

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to review complex financial and documentary information.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage a varied caseload independently and work to strict deadlines.

• Experience providing guidance, coaching or mentoring to junior colleagues.