Fraud Lab Digital Specialist

Job summary

Are you an innovative digital specialist with experience of uncovering intelligence and evidence from digital and online sources to support complex fraud investigations?

Can you turn complex digital evidence and data into actionable intelligence that supports enforcement activity and delivers tangible investigative outcomes?

Would you like to help shape DVSA's digital investigation capability and play a key role in protecting the integrity of our services?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

The DVSA Fraud Lab is a specialist team at the forefront of tackling fraud and serious non-compliance across driver, rider and vehicle services. Bringing together expertise in digital investigations, intelligence and analysis, the team supports complex and sensitive enforcement activity by identifying digital opportunities, developing innovative investigative approaches, and transforming data into evidence and intelligence. As a Fraud Lab Digital Specialist, you will play a key role in developing DVSA's growing digital investigation capability, helping to uncover fraud, ensure the lawful and proportionate use of digital investigative techniques, and protect the integrity of our services.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at DVSA:

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

As a Fraud Lab Digital Specialist, you will provide expert digital investigative support to complex and high-profile fraud investigations. You will support the acquisition and interpretation of digital evidence and help ensure the lawful and proportionate use of digital investigative techniques in line with legislative and policy requirements. You will identify and exploit digital opportunities, conduct and advise on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) activity, and provide specialist advice and oversight to investigators and intelligence professionals. Working closely with key stakeholders, you will develop innovative investigative approaches and deliver critical intelligence and insights that strengthen investigations and enhance DVSA's growing digital investigation capability.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Lead the digital aspects of complex fraud and enforcement investigations, developing innovative digital strategies and ensuring opportunities to obtain intelligence and evidence are fully exploited.
• Co-ordinate the use of investigatory powers and specialist digital capabilities, supporting compliance with legal frameworks and ensuring investigative activity meets professional and evidential standards.
• Act as DVSA's specialist adviser on digital investigations and OSINT, providing expert guidance to investigators and managers on digital evidence, online enquiries and emerging investigative techniques.
• Build and develop digital investigation capability across DVSA, sharing knowledge, delivering training and driving innovation to strengthen the organisation's response to fraud and serious non-compliance.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licences at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn. Please refer to Qualifications section below for the full list of acceptable qualifications.

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Proven investigative experience including in planning, conducting, and managing complex criminal or fraud investigations.
• Familiarity with key criminal justice legislation and investigative procedures.
• An understanding of digital investigation techniques and the opportunities they provide in tackling fraud and non-compliance.
• Ability to collect and analyse data from IT systems, devices, telecoms, open sources, and specialised databases.
• Experience of using analytical tools or methods, such as data mining, social network analysis, or forensic data tools.
• Ability to communicate complex digital information, including presenting detailed technical findings to non-technical internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation. This requirement is considered essential due to the nature of the role and the development of a brand-new capability within DVSA.

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

Applicants must hold a full UK drivers licence to be considered for this role.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.

Licences

A full UK driver's licence

Qualifications

As per the Public Sector Fraud Authority ‘Counter Fraud Learning Prospectus’, the following qualifications are acceptable:

Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship (Tier 4)
-CIPFA
-Credit Services Association
-HMRC
-Intelligencia Training

Accredited Counter Fraud Manager (Tier 3)
-NATIS Academy
-CIPFA
-CoLP Economic Crime Academy

Cifas Counter Fraud Manager (Tier 3)
-Cifas

Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist Programme (Tier 3)
-Cifas
-CIPFA
-CoLP Economica Crime Academy
-Peter Darby Associates

Investigation Training (Tier 3)
-Bond Solon
The following qualifications are also acceptable:

Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (Level 4)
-University of Portsmouth, Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB)
-University of Northumbria, Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB)

Accredited Counter Fraud (Intelligence) Specialist
-University of Portsmouth, Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB)
-University of Northumbria, Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB)

Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) Level 2 or above
-You must hold a current and active PIP2 accreditation issued by a recognised UK law enforcement body (e.g. the College of Policing or NCA).

If your qualification is not listed, it is recommended you speak to the vacancy holder for this post to discuss your qualifications ahead of any submission to avoid any disappointment.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Intelligence and Analysis
• Use of Data and Analytics

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,663, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £10,331 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies (opens in a new window).

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to apply:

Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Sift

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours – you will be asked to provide a 250-word statement on each of the following: Managing a Quality Service, and Communicating and Influencing
• Experience –you will be asked to provide:
  • A name-blind CV (no longer than 2 sides of A4) stating the qualification you hold, date obtained, and a brief description of your jobs/roles, duties and any key achievements.
  • A personal statement (750-word count) describing and giving examples of how your experience makes you suitable for this role, covering the points mentioned under ‘Required experience’ in the Person Specification section.

Consider using the STAR method (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/a-brief-guide-to-competencies) for your Behaviour examples which allows you to set the scene, show what and how you did and the overall outcome.

The sift will start week commencing 14/09/2026

Stage 2: Interview

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours – (Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace)
• Experience – Experience of applying relevant legislation, legal frameworks and professional standards to support intelligence, investigative, operational or enforcement activity.
• Technical – (Use of Data and Analytics, Intelligence and Analysis)

The interviews will start week commencing 12/10/2026

The interviews will be held in person at the office location you choose from the locations listed below when submitting your application:

• Garretts Green MPTC - Granby Avenue, Garretts Green, Birmingham, B33 0SD.
• Berkeley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA – this office location will be changing to, Government Hub (HMRC Regional Centre), 3 Glass Wharf, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS2 0EL in early 2027.
• Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE.
• The Lumen, St James Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ.
• 1 Unity Square, Queensbridge Road, Nottingham, NG2 1AY.
• The Ellipse, Padley Road, St Thomas, Swansea, SA1 8AN.

Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site (opens in a new window).

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.

Further information on the selection process

We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Further Information

For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit theHow We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

Pre-employment Checking

If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks required for appointment to the Civil Service, this role requires National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) level. Candidates who already hold SC clearance (or higher) may be able to transfer their clearance. If you do not already hold SC clearance, you will be required to successfully obtain it prior to taking up post. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon achieving the required level of security clearance. If clearance is not granted, the conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn.

You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

• Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
• Threats or acts of violence
• Illegal activity or substance misuse
• Sexually explicit material
• Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle - it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Seema Sharma
• Email : seema.sharma@dvsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/) to visit Civil Service Commission

Attachments

Role Profile (9) Opens in new window (pdf, 572kB)