Location
Ealing

Hours
The full-time working week in DWP is 37 hours. You may be required to work at any time between 7:45am and 8:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:45am to 5:00pm on Saturday. Surveillance duties often require working outside normal hours, including unsociable and prolonged periods, with deployments at short notice. Flexible working patterns such as part-time, term-time, compressed hours, and job sharing may be considered but must meet business needs. Hybrid working may be available after training and consolidation periods, with a minimum of 60% office attendance expected.

Salary
£44,355 per annum

About the Role
Do you have an inquisitive mind and enjoy engaging with customers? Join the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt (CFCD) team as a Covert Surveillance Team Leader, playing a vital role in reducing fraud, error, and debt within the benefit system to protect the public purse.

In this leadership role, you will ensure the smooth running of surveillance operations by providing direction and fostering cohesive teamwork. You will regularly deploy on surveillance operations, promote continuous professional development, and ensure compliance with legal requirements including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, The Police Act 1997, and Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996.

You will manage tasking requests, lead as Officer in Charge when required, undertake risk assessments, and oversee the production of high-quality evidential packages including witness statements and video/audio evidence. Adherence to DWP surveillance standards and procedures is essential.

The role involves completing a demanding suite of assessed learning events, some residential, including RoSPA Defensive Driving Level 2, foot and mobile surveillance tactics. You may be required to appear as a witness in court and undertake occasional travel and overnight stays.

DWP values work-life balance and offers a supportive environment with opportunities for career progression and professional development.

Experience
Recent experience (within the last 18 months) of leading team-based surveillance or investigations is essential.

About You
You are a confident, inspirational, and driven leader able to provide clear direction to achieve results. You work effectively as part of a team, fostering inclusivity and respect. You proactively develop and maintain positive professional relationships and can interpret and work within set rules and processes in a changing environment. You make effective decisions under pressure with a focus on value for money and place the customer at the heart of all activities.

You must hold a current full manual driving licence and be physically fit to walk significant distances at varying paces for prolonged periods. Good vision and hearing are required to observe and describe activities accurately and use covert audio equipment.

Flexibility is essential as you may be required to deploy at short notice, work unsocial hours, and stay away from home occasionally.

Qualifications
An accredited surveillance qualification is desirable but not essential. Successful candidates must complete mandatory assessed learning including RoSPA Defensive Driving Level 2, foot surveillance tactics, and mobile surveillance tactics.

Membership of the Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) at Practitioner level is required, involving annual self-assessment and ongoing professional development.

Successful completion of all learning events is mandatory and failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or redeployment.