Intelligence Officers - Houghton Le Spring

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK is seeking skilled individuals for a role in combating fraud within the welfare system. The position involves gathering and analyzing intelligence to make informed decisions while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional customer service skills and a proactive approach to building relationships. This role offers a competitive salary, generous leave, and support for learning and development in a diverse work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Health and wellbeing support

Employee discount scheme

Flexible working patterns

Funded learning and development

Qualifications

• Ability to gather and analyse complex information for accurate insights.
• Experience in customer service with clear communication.
• Proven adaptability to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Gather intelligence according to legal procedures and guidance.
• Make informed decisions and communicate effectively.
• Liaise with various stakeholders including law enforcement.

Skills

Intelligence gathering

Analytical skills

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy and for helping people move into employment, supporting pensioners and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Counter Fraud Compliance and Debt (CFCD) aims to drive down the level of fraud, error and debt within the benefit system, protecting the public purse. As part of CFCD you will be at the heart of DWP's efforts to reduce fraud and error in the benefit system. These vacancies are within the Identity Fraud Intelligence gathering team, whose purpose is to prevent and detect UK citizen ID fraud and gather intelligence for use in potential criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Follow a specific process; gather intelligence from various sources, analysing evidence to make a balance of probabilities decision.
• Carry out Intelligence Gathering duties in accordance with procedures and guidance, gathering intelligence in a legal and professional way using mainly Social Security Fraud Act (SSFA) powers and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018.
• Make effective decisions in accordance with legislation and justify and effectively communicate those decisions.
• Fully analyse intelligence received to establish the full extent of the fraud being investigated.
• Liaise with Investigations, Information Providers, Law Enforcement Agencies, DWP front line services and other government departments.
• Manage workloads to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Provide a high‑quality customer service.
• Due to the geographically dispersed nature of this team, this role will require occasional travel and overnight stays.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years across your lifetime and at least 3 of the last 5 years. If you do not meet these conditions, we will not be able to proceed with your application, as you will be unable to obtain Security Clearance.

Key Criteria

• You have the skills to gather, interpret and analyse complex information to deliver accurate insights and informed decisions. (Lead Criteria)
• You can adapt to changing priorities to maintain performance and meet deadlines. (Second Lead Criteria)
• You are able to work effectively both as an individual and as part of a team to achieve organisational goals.
• You can demonstrate exceptional customer service, communicating and influencing clearly and effectively in all interactions.
• You are proactive in developing and maintaining strong professional relationships.

Nationality Requirements

• 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)
• 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

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £32,137 per year, with £9,310 contributed towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term‑time working, flexi‑time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro‑rata for part‑time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest‑free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle‑to‑work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including the Employee Assistance Programme and the HASSRA programme.
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career, including industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks such as Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Working Hours

• Full‑time working week: 37 hours.
• Required to work between 7:45 am and 8:00 pm on any day Monday to Friday, and between 8:45 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday.

Application Process

The application requires a written statement of up to 1,250 words and a CV. The closing date for the full application is 23:55 on 23 December 2025. Selected candidates will progress through written application, interview and offer stages. Please ensure you address the Key Criteria and Behaviours in your application.