Senior Counter Fraud Specialist

Senior Counter Fraud Specialist

Permanent, Full Time

£36,792 to £43,284 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

The Counter Fraud Specialist will support and lead on the effective delivery of counter fraud activity within the Council and to external clients. This encompasses pro-active prevention, detection, investigation, sanction and redress, working with key stakeholders and senior leaders to identify key fraud risk areas. This may involve working closely with enforcement agencies in often complex and sensitive investigations.

The Counter Fraud Specialist will support the effective development of the counter fraud service to meet the changing risk profile of both the Council and external environment and deputise for the Counter Fraud Manager.

The Counter Fraud Specialist will occasionally manage assignments involving up to four staff, providing leadership and guidance to ensure the effective delivery of counter fraud activity, while also deputising for the Counter Fraud Manager when required.

To read more about our business area, please visit https://workingforessex.com/role/corporate-services

Accountabilities 

• Planning and leading on complex investigations and counter fraud activity (pro-active and reactive), meeting internal quality standards and ensuring compliance with all related legislation including (but not exclusively) Criminal Procedures Investigation Act 1996, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2018, GDPR.

• Providing updates to key stakeholders, including Executive Directors on progress of investigations and potential impact to the service. 

• Preparing and delivery of be-spoke counter fraud awareness training to all ECC staff and Members, including the development of e-learning modules.

• Assisting the Manager to update and promote Counter Fraud policies to ECC staff, identifying emerging fraud risk areas, liaising with the service area to ensure adequate and proportionate controls are put in place. 

• Taking the lead for the effective and timely delivery of the mandatory National Fraud Initiative and other data matching initiatives for the Council. 

• Taking the lead on proactive fraud work, including data analytical and data matching work and reporting on outcomes. 

• Self-managing and prioritising assigned case load, providing the Manager with regular progress reports, assisting in writing quarterly reports to the Audit, Governance & Standards Committee. 

• Assignment management of internal audit and fraud staff. 

• Providing expert professional counter fraud advice and support to key stakeholders, including Senior Leaders and Members. Delivering pragmatic and proportionate risk based advice and recommended action (e.g. prosecution, disciplinary, recovery).

• Working closely and building effective working relationship internally and with a range of partners, including enforcement agencies, HMRC, DWP, Cabinet Office, Local Authorities and solicitors / legal representatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential Criteria

• Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist or minimum 3 years’ experience in a fraud investigation role.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including PACE, RIPA, Fraud Act, Bribery Act.
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive cases independently and professionally.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of leading on corporate fraud investigations.
• Experience of managing and co-ordinating data matching exercises, i.e. National Fraud Initiative exercises.
• Experience of providing fraud awareness training to a variety of audiences.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you. 

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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