Investigations Officer Review
at Department for Education
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Government
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
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
As a counter fraud investigator within the Department for Education, my core purpose is to protect public funds, safeguard the integrity of education providers, and ensure taxpayers’ money is used appropriately across the education system. My work supports the DfE’s wider mission by identifying, preventing, and responding to fraud, financial irregularity, and misuse of funding across schools, colleges, training providers, and other funded organisations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
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
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I’d recommend the DfE as a great place to work because it’s one of the few places where you genuinely feel like what you do matters. The work is interesting, varied, and you’re surrounded by people who are supportive and passionate about doing the right thing for learners. There’s a good balance between challenge and flexibility, and plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and try new things. Overall, it’s a place where you can build a solid career while still feeling connected to a bigger purpose.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
When applying to the Department for Education, I’d say the most important thing is to really understand the department’s values and make sure you show how your experience aligns with them. Use clear, specific examples that demonstrate your impact, especially around problem‑solving, teamwork, and working with integrity. The DfE really values people who can communicate well and make sound decisions, so don’t be afraid to highlight moments where you’ve navigated something complex or helped drive improvement. Finally, take your time with the application—be concise but thorough, and make sure you’re actually answering the behaviours being assessed rather than just describing what your job involved. A well‑structured, evidence‑based application really does stand out.
