Counter Fraud Lead

• devise, manage and implement the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy
• be responsible for developing capability within the organisation, and ensure that staff have the skills and capability to deliver the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy, policy and response plan
• actively seek out best practice on counter fraud, bribery and corruption and integrate this into the practices of the organisation and their delivery partners

• a detailed understanding of the fraud, bribery and corruption risks that the organisation faces
• an effective method for communicating these to the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee, via the board member accountable for counter fraud.
• a good understanding of the organisation, and the context within which it operates, alongside the limitations it may have in dealing with fraud, bribery and corruption
• a good understanding of the organisation’s fraud, bribery and corruption controls, their effectiveness and limitations
  
  

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and continuously improve the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption strategy and policies, ensuring alignment with Government Functional Standards and cross-government priorities.
• Translate strategic objectives into practical action plans and assurance measures.
• Advise senior leaders on fraud risk, control effectiveness and emerging threats, supporting informed decision-making.

• Develop, review, and maintain appropriate fraud risk assessments.
• Identify inherent, residual, and emerging fraud risks and evaluate the effectiveness of controls
• Support management in embedding fraud controls into business processes.
• Advise EWR Co. teams (e.g. Commercial, Finance, Risk and other business areas) on fraud risks and preventive controls.
• Support fraud awareness training for all staff
• Contribute to a positive, open counter fraud culture across the organisation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of fraud prevention measures and recommend improvements.
• Support horizon scanning and identification of emerging fraud threats

• Maintain oversight of fraud, bribery and corruption risk, ensuring clear reporting to the senior leadership, the Board and Audit Committee
• Develop and lead EWR Co’s Fraud Risk Assessment (FRA) framework, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and supported by proportionate controls.
• Oversee fraud reporting processes, including compliance with wider audit and assurance requirements.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with data protection and legal requirements.
• Prepare performance data, trend analysis, and management reports ensuring key risks, issues and trends are translated into actionable insight and improvement activity.

• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and operational managers.
• Support alignment with departmental requirements and expectations, including oversight of fraud risk across delivery partners and supply chains.
• Liaise with auditors, insurers, external investigators, and law enforcement where required.
• Support disciplinary action, civil recovery, or contract remedies arising from investigations.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Demonstrable experience of working on counter fraud.  
• Experience developing and implementing strategies, frameworks or operating models that improve organisational maturity and control effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of fraud risk assessment frameworks and methodologies 
• Experience working across organisational boundaries, engaging effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Counter fraud qualification such as Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS, CIPFA) or equivalent.
  
  

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret financial and contractual information.
• Ability to prioritise work, manage workload, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  
  

• High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Strong commitment to fraud prevention and ethical behaviour.

• Experience within central government, with a strong understanding of working within a departmental and / or ALB landscape and the application of the Government Functional Standard GovS 013: Counter Fraud.
• Proven leadership of counter fraud, risk or assurance functions within complex environments, including establishing or developing capability at scale.
• Experience working with sponsoring central government departments or major delivery partners, including understanding of oversight arrangements.
• Experience of reporting against assurance frameworks (e.g. PSFA requirements, Cabinet Office returns).
• Member of the Government Counter Fraud Profession.
• Experience delivering counter fraud, bribery or corruption training or awareness sessions.
• Knowledge and understanding of fraud risks within the construction sector and related supply chains.
• Experience of overseeing / undertaking fraud, bribery or corruption investigations.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience 
• Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future 
• 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days 
• 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community 
• Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones 
• Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind 
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it 
• Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits 
• Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards 
• Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.