Fraud Investigation Officer (Covert) (2541)

Salary - £36,944 - £42,244
Location - Glasgow
Hours - 35 hours per week
Closing Date - Monday 27th October 2025 at 23:55
Reference - 2541
Employment Type - Permanent

Overview
Are you experienced in foot and mobile surveillance in the context of criminal investigations? Are you keen to further enhance your skills in a role where you can help safeguard vital resources for the people of Scotland who need them? If so, we would really like to hear from you.

Everyone in Scotland should have the support they need to live their life, and we believe they should be able to get it when and where they need it. That’s why Social Security Scotland has been built around the people of Scotland. Fraud is unfortunately a known risk in the benefits being devolved, an appropriate and proportionate response has been established. While our strategy is to design out opportunities for fraud through preventative measures where possible, there remains the possibility that it will still occur. To respond to this, we have implemented Counter Fraud functions, including the use of covert tactics, to detect fraud and recover any associated loss.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to, by applying for and carrying out directed surveillance in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIPSA) legislation, for the purpose of proving or disproving fraud allegations, utilising foot and mobile surveillance. Thereafter you will also document all surveillance activity and retain surveillance footage in accordance with retention policies, to ensure the security and integrity of its content to support potential criminal proceedings. You will be comfortable in a changing environment and enjoy working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to provide assistance, identify opportunities for improvements, and explore new ideas and solutions.

To be a successful candidate, you must have extensive operational experience in a surveillance team involved in criminal investigations. You will also require a good working knowledge of RIPSA legislation and experience submitting surveillance applications supporting the use of covert tactics. You must hold a valid UK driving licence and be willing to undertake a specialist driver training course relative to the role, as well as additional surveillance training to complement your existing skills and experience.

Due to the nature of the role a high degree of flexibility is required, including out of hours working, working at weekends/public holidays and overnight stays. This role is based out of Glasgow however there is an expectation for travel across Scotland from the Glasgow base office.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out static, foot and mobile surveillance, maintaining operational surveillance logs and using covert recording equipment to gather evidence during authorised directed surveillance.
• Working closely with fraud investigators and other internal and external stakeholders in relation to covert activities conducted under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 RIPSA.
• Submit the relevant surveillance applications under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 RIPSA.
• Carrying out risk assessments related to surveillance activity, with responsibility for the application and management of Directed Surveillance Authorities.
• Assisting in the preparation and planning of surveillance operations and participation in subsequent briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Being responsible for the storage, retention and destruction of surveillance products in line with data protection policies.
• Assisting with the collation of all surveillance products to support investigations and subsequent related court proceedings.
• Other ad hoc duties relevant to the role.
  
  

Further Information
Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot

More information about the role and how to apply is available at: Careers at Social Security Scotland