11166 - Counter Fraud & Intelligence Duty Officer - Legal Aid Agency - 11166 - Ministry of Justice

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title & Grade:

EO Counter Fraud & Intelligence Duty Officer

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary range (depending on location):

National - £29,303 to £31,061

London - £33,551 to £35,564
Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.

Location:

Liverpool, Nottingham, London

Directorate:

Contract Management & Assurance

Team:

Counter Fraud & Intelligence

Working Pattern:

The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.

If you are applying for a part time role, please note that in order to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 28.96 hours and to cover 4 days of the week

To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.

Reporting to:

HEO Counter Fraud Pursue & Prevent Manager

Closing date for applications

Friday 7th November 2025

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We are responsible for operationally administering the legal aid fund to provide criminal and civil legal aid advice to people in England and Wales.

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we feel proud to have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service.

Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.

The LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.

Contract Management & Assurance

We work collaboratively with other LAA departments to interpret and apply the Contract to the providers which we manage. We ensure that Providers deliver quality legal aid services in accordance with contractual requirements and relevant legislation. We interpret and analyse data to effectively manage risk and to influence providers to improve performance and effectively deliver change. We also engage with the wider Justice System to promote partnership working and influence provider behaviour.

The Corporate Centre helps shape and enable the priorities of the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and People Committee to be delivered.

Counter Fraud & Intelligence

The Counter Fraud and Intelligence (CFI) team has responsibility for developing intelligence to investigate fraudulent activity against the Legal Aid fund; the two primary areas of focus being Provider and Client based fraud. The team works with partners internally and externally to take appropriate enforcement and/or regulatory action against those committing fraud and to support the recovery of funds; examples of external partners being Solicitors Regulation Authority, DWP, HMRC and Police.

The team also has a wider functional responsibility supporting allegations of fraud across other MOJ agencies; this includes reports of internal fraud, bribery or corruption. All MOJ employees are required to act honestly, with integrity and to safeguard the public service delivery for which they are responsible. MOJ will not tolerate fraud, bribery or corrupt practices and the CFI team will always strive to respond robustly to reported matters.

The People & Capability Team work closely with our Internal Communications team to support our leaders and deliver our People Plans to ensure the right action is taken so that the LAA is a great place to work, for everyone, every day.

Job Summary

This role involves the receipt, assessment, evaluation and accurate recording of information and allegations of fraud against the Legal Aid Fund. You will be a single point of contact and the first line of advice to colleagues on fraud matters.

The duty officer manages CFI’s Central Record of Investigations which serves a critical audit function. Day to day, the duty officer establishes key facts to corroborate information and ascertain the veracity of allegations received as well as ensuring all records held are compliant with GDPR obligations and managed lawfully. This is an important role which enables operational decision making and is integral to the tasking process. Duty officers are expected to make informed and substantiated recommendations to CFI management through established processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will support change by implementing new policies, procedures and systems where required or directed.

• You may be required to undertake a wider range of tasks which will see you exercise initiative, professional judgement and discretion.
• You will be an effective communicator at all levels and able to present cases persuasively to senior grades including the drafting of articulate, well-reasoned and accurate reports.
• You are expected to prioritise your personal workload, adjusting to accommodate urgent work items where required, ensuring all triage matters are well managed and progressed in a timely, efficient and proactive way, with a clear audit trail.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills

• Being highly organised and diligent, able to collate evidence from a range of information sources to identify potential fraud and recommend appropriate action.

• Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, building effective working relationships both inside and outside of the organisation.
• Ability to work in a structured, methodical manner, managing large volumes or complex information at pace.
• Proven ability to make effective and informed decisions.
• Confidence to challenge and be challenged in relation to recommendations made to senior managers.
• Ability to work under own initiative in an organised manner in an organised manner, prioritizing workload according to business requirements.
• Experience of using Microsoft 365 applications
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including proven drafting and report writing ability.

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and skills

• Experience of working in a counter fraud, investigative, regulatory or intelligence arena.

• Experience and/or knowledge of investigatory legislation and procedures.
• Experience and/or knowledge of Legal Aid policies.
• Working knowledge and understanding of GovS:13 Counter Fraud, Corruption and Bribery

Person Specification

• You are able to collate evidence from a range of information sources to identify potential fraud and recommend appropriate action.

• You are confident when delivering difficult messages and able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• You are a self-starter, able to motivate yourself whilst also playing a key role in the wider team.
• You enjoy working with a range of stakeholders and build effective working relationships both inside and outside of the organisation.
• You demonstrate tact, discretion and integrity whilst working in a sensitive environment.
• You understand the importance of following process and can evidence your decision making.

Assessment approach

Application Process

To apply please provide a statement of suitability showing how you meet the essential criteria in no more than 1000 words.

Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.

Please note we do not require a CV.

Interview / assessment Process

If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview / assessment centre in person or via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following:

• Strengths relevant to the role
• The following Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing

communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money
interact with others in an enthusiastic way
express ideas clearly and with respect for others
listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working
respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions
handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity

• Delivering at Pace

regularly review the success of activities in the team to identify barriers to progress or challenging objectives
identify who and what is required to ensure success, set clear goals and areas of responsibility and continually assess workloads considering individual needs
follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work
ensure colleagues have the correct tools and resources available to them to do their jobs
have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks
regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary
ensure that colleagues are supported where tasks are challenging

• Making Effective Decisions

take responsibility for making effective and fair decisions, in a timely manner
analyse and research further information to support decisions
talk to relevant people to get advice and information when unsure how to proceed
explain how decisions have been reached in a clear and concise way, both verbally and in writing
demonstrate the consideration of all options, costs, risks and wider implications, including the diverse needs of end users and any accessibility requirements

• Your Experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy - Diversity is the presence of difference, this can include one or more of the protected characteristics (Gender, Age, Race, Disability etc.) or it can be about working patterns, whether we like to jump into a task or reflect on it before acting. Inclusion is how we welcome, value, and celebrate diversity, giving everyone a voice, tapping into ideas, and enabling everyone to be themselves at work and achieve their potential.

For this grade/ role we would expect the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the terms Diversity and Inclusion and be able to explain why they are important to them and to where they work. Examples of action they have taken (in or outside of work) to embrace diversity (e.g., increasing understanding) or improve inclusion for others will increase the strength of their answer.

Shortlisting is planned for week commencing 10/11/2025
Interviews are planned for week commencing 01/12/2025

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Nadia Driscoll Nadia.Driscoll@justice.gov.uk

Complaints procedure

If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
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) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 11166

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 11166

Ministry of Justice

11166 - Counter Fraud & Intelligence Duty Officer - Legal Aid Agency

General Information

Descriptions & requirements

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Application form stage assessments

Interview stage assessments