Fraud Investigator Review

Item: Fraud Investigator at Department for Work and Pensions
Rating: 5
Author: Anonymous

at Department for Work and Pensions

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Review Submitted: February 2025

Overall Rating

5 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

5/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

5/5

Fraud investigations relating to benefit fraud.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

5/5

Interesting subject that is relevant to my job role. Location of training pleasant with a wonderful tutor and fellow learners. Office based OJT well facilitated with regular awareness products carried out on a national, regional and local level.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

I have so far covered legislation, fraud theory and processes relevant to my role.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

5/5

I have monthly modules based at a location facilitated by the training provider. I am given one work day per week to focus solely on my apprenticeship work. I am then provided with satisfactory hours to cover more in-depth learning whilst working through awareness products and further in-house training. My line manager is familiar with the requirements of the apprenticeship and job role so is a great support.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

Very well supported. As mentioned previously, I am given enough time to cover my apprenticeship requirements with additional products to meet the required OJT hours. My direct line manager has a good understanding of the requirements of the apprenticeship.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

5/5

Support is available when required but otherwise, topics are covered once a month and then we are to complete self-learning tasks and assignments in between these sessions. I have not required further help at this point, however I can reach my trainer easily via email.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

5/5

The apprenticeship is extremely relevant to the role. Due to the nature of my operation however many of the processes relate to the police structure in investigations and therefore we do not cover many of the operations and organisations that I will be relying on during my own investigations however there is good reason for this - they are covert and cannot be discussed. Therefore this will not affect my rating.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

5/5

We have a Civil Service social club (HASSRA) which involves all of the above. DWP Counter Fraud also holds networking events.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Department for Work and Pensions to a friend?

Yes

Why?

There is so much scope for movement and development if you desire. I have found DWP to be the best organisation I have ever worked for. They are very understanding of your individual needs and offer flexible working patterns to facilitate work-life balance. There are many opportunities for progression and also opportunities to shadow and try things before you commit. I have been lucky to work amongst the best colleagues in all the offices / areas of DWP that I have worked in and honestly, the Civil Service as a whole has put my previous experience in the private sector to shame.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Work and Pensions?

Register with Civil Service jobs. Familiarise yourself with the Civil Service skills and behaviours and truly understand what it is they are looking for. Think "me" and not "we." What can YOU bring to the organisation? Pull apart the application to break down each element they are looking for in the advert and try to cover as much as you can in your examples of previous experience. Don't be intimidated by fancy, sounding complicated job roles. Spend some time looking at the application because a retail worker can also be referred to as Customer Service Specialist, but one certainly looks fancier! Don't be afraid to use examples that relate to personal life or hobbies. If you hit the criteria with those, then they are just fine. Be yourself and don't fake it, you will only end up in a role you are not qualified or suitable for. Remember the people interviewing you are just regular people and they may be just as nervous as you! And - if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Look out for webinars etc on applying to civil service roles. Local jobcentres can also support you locate these.

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