Fraud Investigations Officer

This a dvert is open to internal applicants only.

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

The Fraud Investigations Officer sits within the Audit and Fraud Section, part of the Resources Directorate (Legal, Governance and Customer Services), playing a vital role in protecting public funds and upholding integrity across Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

This role provides an efficient and effective corporate investigation service, undertaking investigations into suspected fraudulent activity and working proactively to prevent and detect abuse of council systems. The team has a growing profile across the organisation, resulting in increased referrals and opportunities to lead impactful investigations that directly support the Council’s financial resilience and governance.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing team that contributes to safeguarding resources, ensuring fairness, and supporting better outcomes for residents.

• Undertake investigations into suspected fraud across all areas of the Council
• Gather, analyse and evaluate evidence, conducting interviews under caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984
• Prepare case files and reports to support prosecution, cautions, administrative penalties, or disciplinary action, and represent the Council in legal proceedings where required
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of relevant legislation, including benefits legislation, Council Tax Reduction Scheme rules, and criminal evidence requirements
• Liaise and work collaboratively with internal services and external partners including DWP, Police, other local authorities, and counter fraud organisations such as the National Anti-Fraud Network
• Maintain accurate case management systems, records, and performance data to support monitoring, reporting and audit requirements
• Contribute to achieving annual targets, including maximising income through recovery of fraudulent over payments and proactive enforcement activity
• Provide advice and guidance to council services on fraud risks, prevention measures, and strengthening internal controls
• Support the review and improvement of systems and procedures to prevent fraud and misuse of council services
• Ensure all investigations are conducted in line with relevant legislation, including Data Protection and Human Rights requirements, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times

• Experience of undertaking investigations within a fraud, enforcement, audit or similar environment
• Strong understanding of investigative techniques, evidence gathering, and relevant legislation (including PACE, RIPA and data protection requirements)
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and processes, particularly in relation to benefits or financial assessments, and apply this in a practical context
• Confident communicator with experience of conducting investigative interviews and presenting evidence clearly in written reports
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk, identify irregularities, and make sound, evidence-based decisions
• Ability to manage a varied and demanding caseload, meeting deadlines and performance targets
• A proactive, professional, and ethical approach, with a strong…