My role as a Counter Fraud Assurance Champion
Describe in a few sentences what you do
I aim to reduce the Home Office’s fraud vulnerability by understanding and addressing fraud risks. I ensure compliance with the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) mandate and Government Functional Standard 013: Counter Fraud. My role involves producing fraud reporting, raising awareness, and maintaining effective governance. I also manage relationships with stakeholders and the PSFA, while staying updated on emerging fraud threats to provide expert guidance on fraud risk management. This can also cover areas like bribery and corruption.
Describe the work of your department and its real-world impact
The Finance Directorate is one of the most dynamic and forward-looking places to work. We provide professional advice and challenge which ensures that the Home Office delivers value for money to the taxpayer and protects the Accounting Officers in their responsibilities. Within my role I have the opportunity to make a difference for the Home Office, creating a vision and leading on it, while building on our overall counter fraud response in preventing, pursuing, protecting, and preparing.
Describe your career journey, including how long you’ve been at the Home Office
I’ve been in the Civil Service for 28 years, starting in May 1997 at the benefits agency, now DWP, as an Admin Assistant. I held various roles at DWP, including Benefit Processor and Job Broker Consultant, before moving to the Counter Fraud and Compliance Directorate (CFCD) in 2007 as a Fraud Investigator, later leading fraud investigation teams.
In 2013, Universal Credit (UC) began to roll out across Jobcentres. It was believed at the time no fraud could ever occur; however fraudsters had become more sophisticated in exploiting vulnerabilities. In 2017, I became the Fraud and Error Service Centre Liaison Lead, raising fraud awareness across 22 Universal Credit Service Centres. In 2019, I transitioned to Operational Leader within the Personal Independence Payment Disputes Resolution team.
Then in July 2021, feeling a little lost from the world of Counter Fraud. I jumped at the chance to join the Home Office as a Senior Counter Fraud Officer and was promoted to Counter Fraud Assurance Champion in 2024.
Why did you want to join the Home Office?
I wanted to continue my career in the Civil Service and recognised the valuable and important work of the Home Office. It really resonates with me in delivering outcomes to improve citizens lives. The work is challenging, high profile and very rewarding; not to mention it being a great place to work. I enjoy the opportunity to engage with a vast range of stakeholders and being involved in some really important decision making that makes a difference.
Did you have preconceptions about working in the Home Office and how does the reality differ?
I don’t think I really appreciated the vast range of work the Home Office does. Even after three years, I am still finding out about new teams and learning new things all the time.
Describe a typical day
It can be very busy and typically covers a range of tasks. I can be dealing with fraud risk assessments and Initial fraud impacts assessments, providing on-hand support, dealing with fraud and error reporting queries, delivering fraud awareness, advising on policy changes, assurance activity and dealing with commissions from the Public Sector Fraud Authority. Every day seems to go so quickly.
What would you say to someone considering a career in the Home Office?
The work can be challenging but equally it can be so rewarding. If you would like the opportunity to really make a difference, consider a career in the Home Office.
How does the Home Office help you achieve work/life balance?
Work/life balance is important to me as a parent and carer. The Home Office has a flexible approach that both staff and the business benefit from.
Describe your learning and development at the Home Office
Excellent. From the outset of my employment I’ve had opportunity to develop myself, ensuring I have the skills to do my role and to maximise my potential. You have to be proactive and take responsibility, but the tools are there. The Home Office allows you to grasp the opportunities and encourages continuous development of its people.
