Local Counter Fraud Specialist

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW); Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Local Counter Fraud Specialist to deliver counter fraud services in Bristol. The role involves investigating fraud and corruption, working with NHS requirements, and providing operational support. Candidates should have experience in criminal investigation and possess strong communication and analytical skills. This full-time position offers flexibility, including home or remote working options.

Benefits

Flexible working

Home or remote working options

Compressed hours

Qualifications

• Experience of criminal investigation; knowledge of police and criminal procedures.
• Ability to understand processes in healthcare settings to enhance fraud resilience.
• Experience in politically sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational counter fraud service to detect and investigate fraud.
• Promote counter fraud arrangements with clients.
• Undertake investigations into allegations of fraud.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication skills

Analytical and evaluation skills

Proficient IT skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Education

Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist certificate

Degree or significant relevant experience

Minimum 5 GCSEs including English Language Grade C

Tools

Data analysis software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) role. The closing date is 23 December 2025.

As part of NHS contract requirements, organisations are expected to have counter fraud arrangements in place. The LCFS role delivers counter fraud investigations and value-added proactive work for a specified organisation.

Main duties

• Under the guidance of a Band 7 Senior LCFS, deliver the operational counter fraud service to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, corruption and bribery in line with NHSCFA requirements.
• Promote and maintain effective counter fraud arrangements for specified clients in accordance with the NHS Counter Fraud initiative, NHSCFA and the Police.
• Work in partnership with ASW Assurance audit colleagues and other external agencies in the key areas of counter fraud work as set out in Government Functional Standard 13 relating to Counter Fraud.
• Identify and provide solutions to fraud risks in line with the Government Counter Fraud Profession Fraud Risk Assessment Methodology. Escalate risks with insufficient mitigation and actively track progress of fraud risk mitigation.
• Undertake the role of "Officer in Charge" of investigations into less complex allegations and suspicions of fraud against client organisations, complying with relevant legislation (e.g., Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000).
• Participate in internal and external working groups and provide project advice, expertise and support as requested.

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, with over 13,000 staff and more than 100 clinical services across 10 sites. We serve a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as "Good" overall. We are a forward-thinking Trust committed to improving patient care, innovation and research, with campuses across Bristol and Weston. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We are an equal opportunities employer aiming to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Anonymous information from applications will be used to ensure we meet our pledge.

Job responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description document.

ASW Assurance delivers a high-value service as the NHS counter fraud provider in the South West, meeting national and local NHSCFA requirements. Our work focuses on minimising fraud risks that could prevent the achievement of NHS organisations’ strategic objectives, protecting finances and reputation. We also provide security management consultancy services and a comprehensive anti-crime offering.

The Local Counter Fraud Specialist focuses on:

• Implementing and promoting an anti-fraud culture within specified organisations
• Providing operational support in delivering counter fraud messaging to specified organisations
• Taking positive action against fraud, including sanctions and recovery of defrauded monies
• Participating in local and national proactive exercises
• Occasionally working across the wider ASW Assurance client group as required
• Meeting and exceeding NHSCFA requirements
• Achieving successful outcomes from criminal and civil proceedings

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of criminal investigation with current knowledge of police and criminal investigation procedures and legislation; may fulfil the role of "Officer in Charge" with responsibility for investigative progress
• Ability to understand systems and processes in healthcare settings and deliver proactive programs to increase fraud resilience
• Experience operating in a politically sensitive environment
• Ability to prepare concise communications for stakeholders at various levels
• Experience in using data analysis software and evidencing its effective use

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Negotiation skills and ability to influence across seniority levels
• Discretion and confidentiality across counter fraud work
• Presentation skills for diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Clear, factual written reporting on complex subjects
• Analytical and evaluation skills for complex issues with conflicting data
• Ability to act on incomplete information and make informed decisions
• Knowledge of financial systems (budget monitoring, invoices, procurement)
• Organisational skills with the ability to plan short, medium and long-term work
• Proficient IT skills with Microsoft Office and good keyboard skills
• Ability to work to tight and changing timescales and manage own workload
• Commitment to equality and good working relationships
• Awareness of information governance procedures
• Ability to travel within the ASW Assurance client area and sometimes further at short notice
• Experience delivering projects in complex and challenging environments

Qualifications and Training

• Possess an Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist certificate
• Degree educated and/or significant relevant specialist experience
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs to include English Language at Grade C or above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires disclosure to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours