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Higherin
Department for Work and Pensions

Fraud Investigator Review

at Department for Work and Pensions

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Sheffield

Review Submitted: March 2025

Overall Rating

3.7 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role
4/5 - Skills Development
3.2/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I investigate allegations of benefit fraud by gathering evidence to prove or disprove the allegation. My investigation may progress to criminal prosecution of a claimant.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme as a whole and it is relevant to my role. It is sometimes difficult to juggle work and the apprenticeship. I find that even though I am allowed time to complete my apprenticeship work I always prioritise my every day work.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt lots of new skills around legislation and procedures for criminal investigations into fraud.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I think it is very well organised. Sometimes I find some of the modules contain too much information for one session and I think a lot is crammed into one day. The practical experiences of the mock court day were very useful.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I have a quarterly review with my line manager. I am given the time I need to complete my apprenticeship work. It is very much down to self planning and is up to me to schedule time to complete my coursework etc.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My tutor has made it clear that he is there if I need additional support. Sometimes when I have asked for help the response has been a little ambiguous, I do feel some of the support could be clearer with examples.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
From my understanding the previous qualification was just as useful in my role but completed over a much shorter time. I do find that I am doing tasks in my role that we have not yet covered in the apprenticeship. I think it would be better if the course were more intense over a shorter period so that I was fully qualified before I started working on live cases.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I am a member of HASSRA sports and social club. I have taken part in occasional activities.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Department for Work and Pensions to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Flexible working, good benefits package including pension. Good work ethics for diversity and inclusion.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Work and Pensions?
Take time to plan your application and look at the help and guidance online. The application process is quite lengthy. They look at behaviours and you need examples to support your application. Use the STAR method.
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