Principal Investigator

Starting salary: £45,042

Job Level: Level 4 Zone 2
Work Location: 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG
Hours per week: 36
Contract type: Permanent 
Closing date: Monday 9th October 2023; 23:59
Interviews to be held: Monday 23rd October - Wednesday 25th October 2023
Alternative flexible working options available / open to discussion    

Anonymised Application – in keeping with Camden’s commitment to inclusion the recruitment to this role is anonymised and supports the objective of reducing the impact of unconscious bias.

About us 

Camden is changing on the inside to make life better for everyone. Because we’re not just home to the UK’s fast-growing economy. We’re home to the most important conversations happening today. And we’re making radical social change a reality, so that nobody gets left behind. Here’s where you can help decide a better future for us all.

The role

We are determined to create a more equal Camden. 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.

Local authorities continue to face a significant challenge due to the risk of fraud. In Camden, we apply an approach of fierce protection of the public purse and seek to embed an anti-fraud culture. We employ a robust approach to tackling fraud and corruption. At the core of this approach is our established Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy and Whistleblowing Policy. As part of our commitment to conducting high quality proactive and reactive corporate investigations, we are recruiting a full time, permanent Principal Investigator to join the Anti-Fraud and Investigations Team (AFIT). 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an extremely motivated and proficient investigator to join a high-performing service. AFIT is highly visible and well-respected, and actively contributes to and supports the strategic direction of the Council through the delivery of the corporate anti-fraud service. A key focus is the delivery of proactive reviews to actively detect and prevent fraud. This is an exciting time to be joining AFIT as the proactive agenda is being galvanised.

This is a high profile and varied role in which you will engage with colleagues from across the Council, including Internal Audit and Risk Management. There are opportunities to broaden your knowledge base, as we undertake investigations across a number of Council services. We are part of the London Boroughs’ Fraud Investigation Group, which provides opportunities for investigators to network and share intelligence as well as opportunities to develop links to other investigation services such as the Department of Work and Pensions’ Counter-Fraud and Compliance Directorate.

About you

To find out more about what it is like to work at Camden, meet some of our People by visiting 'www.camdenjobs.co.uk/our-stories'.

You will ideally currently be working in a private or public sector investigation service and will have experience of undertaking high quality investigations, conducting interviews and working with the police and other external investigative agencies. You will hold an accredited investigation qualification or an equivalent qualification. You will be committed to protecting the public purse. We are looking for a self-motivated and effective team player with excellent verbal and written skills and the confidence to liaise with officers across the Council and external agencies. 

You will have sound investigative skills and a proven track record of carrying out high quality investigations. You will be adept at undertaking proactive and reactive investigations, using precision to ensure that lines of enquiry are robustly pursued. The ability to use data analytics to undertake proactive investigations will be an additional advantage.

As a Principal Investigator you will be expected to manage multiple investigations at the same time and balance conflicting priorities. Your knowledge of the law relating to investigations will support effective corporate investigations. You will also possess excellent written skills and be able to produce high quality investigation reports, while maintaining confidentiality at all times.

This high-profile role affords regular exposure to senior officers. As the position requires regular liaison with a varied number of directorates across the Council, including delivery of fraud awareness workshops, applicants should possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to promote a proactive anti-fraud culture.

In return, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent work environment which is stimulating, fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills. Other benefits include a local government pension and flexible working. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Working for Camden

We’re ready to welcome your ideas, your views, and your rebellious spirit. Help us redefine our Supporting Communities, and we’ll redefine what a career can be. If that sounds good to you, we’d love to talk.

At Camden, you’ll receive a host of benefits as well as joining a flexible working employer. Visit 'www.camdenjobs.co.uk/staff-benefits' to see full details of our benefits.

Additional information 

To view the Job Profile, please click HERE or copy and paste the below URL into your browser:

http://camdocs.camden.gov.uk/HPRMWebDrawer/Record/10225089/file/document?inline

If you would like to have a further discussion about the role please contact the Audit Manager Christopher.Nicholls@camden.gov.uk 

To apply for this job please follow the "Apply" link. In the ‘Why you?’ section of the application you will be required to demonstrate how you meet the role criteria noted in the Job Profile under the “About You” section.  

Inclusion and Diversity

We want Camden Council to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.

To discover more about Camden and our commitment towards diversity, equality and safeguarding, please visit 'www.camdenjobs.co.uk/staff-benefits'.

Asking for Adjustments 

Camden is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please contact us on 020 7974 6655, at resourcing@camden.gov.uk or post to 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG,