Principal Investigator

Providing high-quality corporate investigations is one of the Council's core objectives and we are seeking a full-time, permanent Principal Investigator to assist the Audit Manager (Investigations) in delivering this service. This is a fantastic opportunity for an extremely motivated and proficient investigator to join a high-performing service. Investigations is highly visible and well-respected, and contributes to and supports the Council's strategic direction through the provision of robust anti-fraud services.

This is a high profile and varied role in which you will interact closely with colleagues across the Council, including partnership working with Internal Audit and Risk Management to contribute to the overall governance and control environment. As we conduct investigations across a variety of Council services, you will have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge base. We are part of the London Boroughs' Fraud Investigation Group, which provides investigators with opportunities to network and share intelligence as well as opportunities to develop links with other investigation services, such as the Department of Work and Pensions' Counter-Fraud and Compliance Directorate.

Interviews:

Interviews will be taking place on 13th and 14th April 2023.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting high quality investigations, conducting interviews, and working with the police and other external investigation agencies. An accredited investigation qualification or equivalent will be required. As a member of our team, you will be a self-motivated, highly skilled team player with excellent verbal and written skills, the ability to liaise effectively across the Council and with external agencies, and a commitment to protecting the public purse.

The Principal Investigator must have sound investigative skills and a proven track record of conducting high quality investigations, as well as be able to manage multiple investigations at once. Your skills in proactive and reactive investigations will help protect the public purse, ensuring that lines of enquiry are pursued robustly. The ability to use data analytics in proactive investigations is an added advantage. Your knowledge of the law relating to investigations will support effective corporate investigations.

As a member of this high-profile team, you will have regular contact with senior officers. In order to be successful, applicants should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to promote a proactive anti-fraud culture as the position involves regular liaison with a variety of directorates across the Council.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington. We aim to create an environment in which everyone is able to reach their full potential and enjoy a high quality of life, regardless of their background.

The risk of fraud continues to be a significant challenge for local authorities. We at Islington are committed to continuing to identify and combat fraud and embed a culture of anti-fraud at the heart of our organization by employing a robust approach to tackle fraud and corruption. At the core of this approach is our established Anti-Fraud Strategy and Whistleblowing Policy.

• To assist the Head of Internal Audit (HIA) and the Audit Manager Investigations (AMI) to implement the Council’s Anti-Fraud Strategy and Whistleblowing Policy, by undertaking proactive and reactive fraud investigations promptly and to a high standard.
• To protect the Council from fraud, corruption and irregularity by assisting the HIA and AMI to deliver an efficient and effective fraud investigation service.
• To deliver a portion of the Council’s proactive anti-fraud plan to a high standard.
• To undertake reactive investigations promptly and to a high standard, including complex, cross-cutting investigations.
• Investigate whistleblowing investigations, including complex whistleblowing investigations with multiple disclosures.
• To exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times while delivering proactive and reactive investigations.
• Where applicable, to provide these services across all of the council’s activities including partners, contracted services and voluntary sector organisations where applicable.
• To provide anti-fraud advice to officers across the Council and /or Members, and to engender a strong anti-fraud culture by providing advice to prevent fraud.
• To act as the Single Point of Contact between the Council and the Department of Work and Pensions Single Counter-Fraud and Compliance Directorate (CFCD); undertaking end to end referral management from a number of different sources.
• Where necessary, present investigation reports to senior level boards, such as DMTs, Corporate Governance Group and CMB and/or Audit Committee.