C1/SEO Senior Investigator (Live Company Investigation, North)

at  Insolvency Service

JOB SUMMARY

Our Live Investigation Teams conduct confidential fact-finding enquiries into live companies using powers derived from Section 447 Companies Act 1985. Under these powers, Investigators are authorised by the Secretary of State to require the production of documents and information from a company and from third parties, as well as having the power to enter and remain on premises used in the company’s business.
This role is based in Manchester and attendance at that office in accordance with the Agency’s hybrid working model (currently 60% office attendance) is required. Regular travel to other sites and locations and to attend liaison meetings with stakeholders and other regulators will be required. Occasional overnight stays may be required.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an interesting and exciting role within Investigation and Enforcement Services directorate to conduct investigations into live companies where complaints or intelligence suggests they may not be trading in the public interest.
Investigators are responsible for progressing their own case/s and the investigation process requires a range of initiative, interpersonal, problem solving and evidence-gathering skills including investigative interviewing, dealing with conflict, data gathering, analysis and legal interpretation.
A detailed factual report is drafted by the Investigator at the conclusion of the investigation and is used to determine appropriate further action.
You will be required to use your own initiative to progress investigations to a successful conclusion and the role will involve the need to conduct remote field work including unannounced visits to company premises.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Knowledge of Companies Act Investigations.
• Experience of courtroom procedures and acting as a witness.
• Relevant professional training and qualifications.

ALSO NECESSARY - ISIP QUALIFICATION

The Insolvency Service has a training programme, the Insolvency Service Investigator Programme (ISIP), which is based on workplace assessment and training. Applicants must complete the programme within the 2-year period allowed.
Alternatively, where applicants have either completed an associated ISIP, such as an Insolvent Investigator programme (or are part way through such a programme), they must undertake the respective modules of the Live Investigator ISIP programme (in order to finalise their training).
Completion of this programme is a condition of employment. This programme is a key part of the Insolvency Service’s commitment to the Government Counter Fraud Profession.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

RESPONSIBILITIES

The main duties of a Senior Investigator in the Live Investigation team include:

• Managing and progressing a portfolio of complex investigations conducted using compulsory powers under Section 447 of the Companies Act 1985 in accordance with internal guidance and Government Counter Fraud Standards and with a view to gathering evidence to establish whether the activities of a company are being carried on in the public interest.
• Reviewing and researching available source information.
• Attending (unannounced) at company premises to serve and exercise the Section 447 authority, overcoming objections and using interpersonal skills to obtain cooperation from company representatives.
• Making contact with company directors or third parties (e.g. solicitors, accountants, customers, suppliers, banks, etc) who may be reluctant to engage.
• Undertaking investigative interviews with company directors and other third parties.
• Identifying relevant accounting and other documents and making formal requirements for timely production and ensuring compliance.
• Logging, reviewing, and analysing the documents and information produced during the investigation to identify wrongdoing, misconduct, or potential criminal offences.
• Making timely, clear, reasoned, and robust recommendations to managers to progress the case to the appropriate conclusion.
• Dealing appropriately with confidential and sensitive information, understanding that a strictly enforced disclosure regime exists in relation to Section 447 investigations, and understanding the impact of other legislation on the investigation, e.g. FOIA & GDPR.
• Drafting evidence-based reports on the findings of an investigation to a standard suitable for testing in both civil and criminal courts or capable of forming the foundation for further action by other regulators.
• Liaising professionally and expeditiously with legal professionals instructed on behalf of the Secretary of State and colleagues elsewhere in the Service.
• Providing primary evidence in relation to investigations by way of affidavit or witness statement and appearing at Court to give oral evidence on behalf of the Secretary of State.

We want you to have a good work-life balance and want to support you in all that you do, so we offer a great benefits package including:

• flexible working arrangements and flexi-time
• full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• in addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day of privilege leave
• competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 5 days paid leave for learning and development
• 5 days paid for volunteering
• a Cycle to work scheme
• staff have access to an employee assistance programme, Workplace Wellness, for confidential, independent support and advice during difficult times in either their professional or personal life.
• a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27