About the job

Job summary

Within FIS a variety of threats are targeted, including complex offshore evasion, international smuggling of illicit excise goods, enforcement of export controls and sanctions, VAT repayment and labour market abuses and a host of other fraud attacks targeted at the tax system. The ability to tackle serious fraud plays an important part in building trust in the compliant majority and reinforces the Department`s fair and even-handed approach. ​

The Professionalism line of business within FIS seeks to build, promote and assure the standards for everyone in FIS by providing the learning and tools to enable people to be as effective as possible.  Through the provision of policies and safeguards to deliver and assure professional standards, and by holding people to account where those standards and behaviours are seriously wrong.  ​

We are looking for a strong leader with the vision and energy to manage with confidence to deliver the highest possible standards and professionalism that guarantees an effective Fraud Investigation Service now and for the future. 

Key Priorities:​

• This is a key role in leading the Fraud Investigation Skills and Careers programme.  This portfolio of work is focused on building capability, growing skills and developing career paths. It will deliver impact through people by focusing on individual development and career opportunities to build a flexible, high performing FIS. This work recognises that people are our most important asset in the fight against fraud. ​
• The post-holder will drive forward this programme of work, ensuring developments are aligned to the HMRC Learning Transformation programme. You will also lead the Counter Fraud Academy, responsible for the provision of training and accreditation for officers engaged in law enforcement activity.​
• You will be leading teams responsible for Operational Standards; liaising with both internal and external stakeholders who are part of delivering independent casework assurance.   Part of this includes driving continuous learning to improve business efficiency through the assurance activity you will lead.​​
• There are a number of corporate management functions within this portfolio and the post-holder will be expected to provide an independent security function, including the associated assurance in line with HMRC security operating model as well as ensuring FIS maintains adherence to GDPR.​
• The post holder will be the Directorate Change Lead, responsible for ensuring FIS are aligned with the wider Change programmes in HMRC. You will therefore be expected to coordinate relevant FIS input, ensure priorities and requirements are incorporated effectively and embed operational change across FIS. ​
• You will be responsible for Internal Investigations, working across HMRC to help protect the Departments’ integrity and reputation; maintain public trust and give confidence in our people and their behaviour. You will lead the teams responsible for managing personnel risks, maintaining professional standards of conduct and responding to staff misconduct, internal fraud and corruption.

Job description

Key Responsibilities: 

• As the successful candidate you will responsible for ensuring that the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) achieves the highest professional standards, that capability is strengthened, learning is accessible to all and that those within HMRC who break the rules are investigated appropriately. ​
• FIS is responsible for tackling the most serious and harmful threats to the tax system.  Through leading teams consisting of approx. 330 people, you will ensure the FIS workforce has the capability needed to achieve the highest standards and quality, vital for conducting civil and criminal investigations. ​
• You will oversee the teams that conduct reviews and inspections as well as be the point of contact for external inspections with a range of stakeholders including the National Audit Office and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services.​
• Certain teams under your responsibility will lead on casework standards and assurance therefore part of your role will require you to keep up to date with relevant legislation to lead with credibility. ​
• The Fraud Investigation Skills and Careers Programme consists of three core areas. You will be responsible for setting the direction, driving forward, seeking value for money and ensuring that delivery keeps pace and expands in line with demand and changes in technology. ​
• As a leader, you will be accountable for ensuring that delivery of the Programme happens within expected timeframes, which can change at short notice due to completing demands.  ​
• You will need to be comfortable with managing teams responsible for conducting potentially serious disciplinary and criminal allegation involving HMRC staff.  Integrity to uphold standards will be vital to ensure the independence required in this role along with an ability to work closely with HR experts to ensure policies are updated to reflect learning from investigation outcomes.​
• Excellent leadership with the ability to motivate and inspire to get the best from people. ​
• FIS is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues, where HMRC values, behaviours and commitments are demonstrated at every level of the organisation. The successful candidate will play an integral role in ensuring all colleagues feel valued and respected at work; role modelling the behaviours that enable this.
• As the successful candidate you will responsible for ensuring that the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) achieves the highest professional standards, that capability is strengthened, learning is accessible to all and that those within HMRC who break the rules are investigated appropriately. ​
• FIS is responsible for tackling the most serious and harmful threats to the tax system.  Through leading teams consisting of approx. 330 people, you will ensure the FIS workforce has the capability needed to achieve the highest standards and quality, vital for conducting civil and criminal investigations. ​
• You will oversee the teams that conduct reviews and inspections as well as be the point of contact for external inspections with a range of stakeholders including the National Audit Office and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire & Rescue Services.​
• Certain teams under your responsibility will lead on casework standards and assurance therefore part of your role will require you to keep up to date with relevant legislation to lead with credibility. ​
• The Fraud Investigation Skills and Careers Programme consists of three core areas. You will be responsible for setting the direction, driving forward, seeking value for money and ensuring that delivery keeps pace and expands in line with demand and changes in technology.
• As a leader, you will be accountable for ensuring that delivery of the Programme happens within expected timeframes, which can change at short notice due to completing demands.  ​
• You will need to be comfortable with managing teams responsible for conducting potentially serious disciplinary and criminal allegation involving HMRC staff.  Integrity to uphold standards will be vital to ensure the independence required in this role along with an ability to work closely with HR experts to ensure policies are updated to reflect learning from investigation outcomes.​
• Excellent leadership with the ability to motivate and inspire to get the best from people. ​
• FIS is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues, where HMRC values, behaviours and commitments are demonstrated at every level of the organisation. The successful candidate will play an integral role in ensuring all colleagues feel valued and respected at work; role modelling the behaviours that enable this. ​

Person specification

Essential Criteria:​

• A successful track record of operating as part of a senior leadership team, with the ability to manage risks and assurance to effectively lead teams to deliver to the highest professional standards.​
• Significant experience of working collaboratively with a range of key stakeholders to inform, support and deliver Learning requirements to meet capability needs. ​
• A proven track record of successfully leading large geographically disparate teams within a Professionalism, Learning or Corporate Management focused functions.  ​
• Excellent leadership and influencing skills to engage confidently in a wide range of situations and develop senior stakeholder relationships both internally and externally.​
• Commercial acumen in order to successfully manage budgets, contracts and workforce planning.​
• An ability to prioritise inclusion and development of teams by setting out clearly and effectively the culture and expectations around how teams will work within the command (e.g. expected workplace behaviours, accountabilities, cultural re-focus on quality delivery etc.) in line with HMRC’s values and commitments.​
• The integrity needed to lead teams responsible for investigations into discipline and conduct matters, enabling them to work with the independence required. ​

Desirable Criteria:​

• Whilst not essential it would be desirable to have a working knowledge of criminal justice and/or civil investigations and be a Counter Fraud or Tax Professional. ​

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £75,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £20,250 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

All Criminal Record Checks applications are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Application:​

To apply for this post, you will need to complete an online application by submitting the following:​

• A CV (recommend length of 2 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.​
• A Statement of Suitability (no longer than two pages) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the criteria in the person specification.​
• By not submitting a CV and a Statement of Suitability will mean we only have limited information to assess your application against the person specification. Please ensure both documents contain your full name.​
• If you encounter any issues with your application or don’t receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours, please contact scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk​

Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS)​

Candidates applying under the Disability Confidence Scheme are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum criteria outlined in the person specification. ​This scheme works in conjunction with the Great Place to Work for Veterans, for former members of the armed services, and the Redeployment Interview Scheme for existing Civil Servants at risk of redundancy. Each scheme works in the same way.​

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Shortlist​

• An application pre-sift will be conducted by the SCS Recruitment Team followed by an in-depth review by the Vacancy Holder and Panel.​
• The panel will assess and select applicants who  demonstrate the best fit with the role by considering the evidence provided against the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.​
• ​The closing date for applications is Monday 29th January 2024 and a shortlist decision is expected to be made in the week commencing 5th February 2024. All candidates will be notified of the outcome shortly afterwards.​
• All shortlisted candidates will be offered an opportunity to have an informal conversation with the vacancy holder, Richard Las. This is not an assessment phase but is an opportunity for each candidate to gain greater insight into the context of the role. This is optional, but highly recommended.​

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Use of Data​

As part of the recruitment process, we may share your data and assessment results internally with our SCS Talent team. ​

This will provide insight into how to support your development and wider talent management, should you be successful in your application. ​

If you do not want your data to be shared please email scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk​

Assessments:​

If shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to take part in an Individual Leadership Assessment (ILA). ​

Assessments don’t result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to support the panel’s decision making and highlight areas for further exploration at interview.​

Full details of the assessment process will be made available to candidates if shortlisted for interview.​

We will send you a copy of any report for any assessment that you may have undergone as part of the recruitment process (where applicable).​

​Interview:​

You will be asked to attend an interview for a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. ​

We will also ask you to prepare a 5-minute verbal presentation. Details will be issued in advance of your interview.​

Interviews are expected to take place on week commencing 26th February 2024 and will be held in person at a location to be confirmed (full instructions will be issued prior to interview).​

Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible once all interviews have concluded.​

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.