Senior Operational Policy Adviser

Job summary

The Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) is responsible for holding departments and arms-length bodies to account for their handling of fraud in the public sector. The PSFA is at the centre of government and leads work across government and public bodies to improve the prevention, detection and recovery of fraud. It was launched on the 3rd August 2022 following an increased focus in government on tackling fraud. The PSFA is outcome and performance driven, offers a depth and breadth of expertise and works jointly with HM Treasury. Working in the PSFA offers access to a wide range of stakeholders across government and the opportunity to work with various sectors in a high-profile policy area with high media, parliamentary and ministerial interest.

The Public Authorities Fraud Investigation and Enforcement Service (PAFIES) is the PSFA team dedicated to taking action against fraud occurring in any central government department or public authority. We assess intelligence and disseminate it for action, develop cases, and undertake fraud investigations to the civil and criminal standards. We use Proceeds of Crime Act powers, and will have access to Police and Criminal Evidence Act search and production powers, Investigatory Powers Act telecoms data powers, and bespoke information gathering and civil penalty powers as legislated for in the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Act 2025 (PAFER). This is an exciting time to be a part of something entirely new in government, and make a real difference in the fight against fraud.

Job description

We are seeking motivated project deliverers to help land the implementation of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 as part of the PAFIES Operational Policy team. The Act provides law enforcement powers for PAFIESt to tackle fraud against the UK central government public authorities in England and Wales, including the ‘COVID Hit Squad’ announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in September 2025.

The implementation programme to operationalise the Act is now in full swing. The post holders will lead on development and implementation of a range of projects, covering key areas of the Act’s powers and functions, and Enforcement and Intelligence practice. Implementation projects may cover a number of business areas, including:

• Information Powers
• Civil Penalties
• PACE Search and Seizure
• Debt Management
• Oversight
• Operational Policy Design
• Guidance & Consultation

The successful candidate does not need to be experienced in any of these business areas, but should be able to pick up new business and quickly become a trusted expert able to deliver outcomes to a high standard, embedding new powers and functions and ensuring that policies and processes are in place to ensure their lawful use.

The roles offer considerable development opportunities for ambitious and thoughtful future leaders who want to do something new which they can own and deliver with autonomy. Candidates do not need to have an investigation or law enforcement background, although that would be an advantage, but should be experienced in leading implementation, developing guidance, and project management.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver projects and support the overall programme of PAFER 2025 implementation.
• Own and develop policy, process and guidance.
• Collaborate with policy and enforcement teams on delivery of Enforcement & Intelligence policy areas.
• Developing stakeholder relationships to build effective partnerships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders necessary to ensure delivery.
• The role will require occasional travel to PSFA locations. This may include overnight stays.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• You will have strong project management skills, able to manage information in an organised way to ensure it is always current.
• Strong drafting and verbal communication skills.
• You will have some relationship management experience with the ability to effectively engage with senior leaders.
• You will be able to see the big picture and be able to interpret information to make reasonable conclusions and decisions, providing a strong understanding of how departmental strategies fit with operational needs.
• Experience of policy drafting and legislation would be beneficial. Note that this is not a pure policy role, it is operational delivery.

Please note

Recruitment campaigns for the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) are continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following the Government’s announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be subject to the machinery of government move of the PSFA to DWP. We will provide more information on any potential or future impact this will have on office locations and other elements if you are selected to interview. This work remains of high importance to the civil service, and we thank you for your continued interest.

Additional information:

Cabinet Office policy is that a minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. For some roles, due to their nature and the business need, this may be up to 100%. Requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,292, Cabinet Office contributes £13,121 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and employer contributions of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application process

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final s