Learner Investigator - Nationwide

Job summary

The Insolvency Service is a leading government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.

The Investigation and Enforcement Services Directorate (IES) aims to deliver and promote a range of investigation and enforcement activities both civil and criminal in nature, to support fair and open markets and to promote high standards of corporate behaviour. IES plays a key role in enforcing the statutory company and insolvency regimes to maintain public confidence in those regimes and to tackle the harm caused to victims of fraudulent activity.

Dave Magrath, Director of IES, talks about his experience and why now is a great time to join the Insolvency Service: Why enforcement professionals should join the Insolvency Service.

Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 9 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability network group, Employee Assistance, Representatives, FACES Network Group, LGBT+, Mind Matters, Part Time Workers, The Shed - Men’s Network Group and Women’s Network Group.

We offer full-time, part-time, job share and flexible ways of working. We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, though our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.

The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career!

Job description

We are looking for dynamic and motivated people to join our Insolvent Investigation team across the Insolvency Service as learner investigators to be based in any of the Insolvency Service regional centres in Stratford, Ipswich, Croydon, Exeter, Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

In Insolvent Investigation, we carry out civil investigations into the conduct of directors of companies in voluntary & compulsory liquidation or administration, or dissolved companies, to establish whether disqualification proceedings are in the public interest.

Initially we are aiming to recruit 17 people and we will hold a reserve list for further recruitment in the future.

In appropriate cases in Insolvent Investigations we:

• prepare expedited minutes, draft affirmations/affidavits or reports for director disqualification proceedings
• act as deponent, representing the Secretary of State at trial in consultation with Legal Services Directorate, solicitor agents and counsel
• publicise outcomes by issuing press releases, giving interviews and other media related work
• seek Compensation Orders against directors
• refer possible criminal offences to Criminal Investigation teams or the appropriate prosecuting authority, providing witness statements and appearing as witnesses in criminal proceedings

Our work also includes engagement with insolvency practitioners and other stakeholder groups through outreach activity as well as contributing to Insolvency Service policy.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate for an investigator role can expect to be involved in a range of the following:

• communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders; including accountants, directors & creditors, to establish key information
• using a range of intelligence tools to locate & contact directors
• conducting probing interviews with directors, who may not wish to engage, challenging assertions where necessary, and obtaining written statements
• analysing, interpreting and reviewing a range of information, including accounting records, bank statements and tax documents to draw conclusions
• dealing with conflict and diffusing difficult situations
• identifying potential misconduct or criminal offences
• making timely, clear, reasoned and robust recommendations to managers both in person and in writing either to conclude a case, continue an investigation or refer for civil or criminal proceedings
• drafting reports and affidavits setting out evidence of suspected wrongdoing, preparing court bundles for issue and use at hearings, attending and contributing to conferences with solicitors and barristers
• preparing applications to court, and associated papers for hearings
• attending court when required, in a supporting role and/or to act as a witness in both civil and criminal proceedings if required
• maintaining accurate and timely records via a case management system
• keeping up to date with changes in legislation and internal processes and procedures in a rapidly changing environment

Person specification

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

• have an inquisitive mind
• be a confident communicator
• be willing to challenge and be accepting of challenge
• be focused
• be accountable for one's own actions

Applicants should demonstrate the following skills:

• an eye for detail
• decisiveness, even if the decision is difficult or unpopular
• calmness when faced with pressure
• the ability to analyse information and solve problems
• good drafting ability when it comes to letter writing and preparing reports
• strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with a range of people
• confidence when presenting yourself and representing the Insolvency Service
• a high level of self-motivation so that you can work independently and progress a case load

Essential Criteria

You will need to be committed to completing the Insolvency Service Investigator Programme within 2 years of commencement of the learning programme. This will require regular travel and overnight stays to attend training events.

Further Information

While this vacancy is open to candidate applying Part-Time, please note that there is a minimum requirement of 21.5 hours/week.

Successful candidates will be required to complete the training programme successfully as part of their terms and conditions of employment.

If successful at sift, you will be asked to attend an office of the Insolvency Service to take part in an assessment lasting approximately 3 hours. The assessment, which will test your skills, attributes and behaviours, will be based on a sample day in the role and will involve engaging with a director and reporting your findings. The assessment requires no prior or specific technical knowledge, although candidates may benefit from some research into the role and purpose of the Insolvency Service and its investigation and enforcement activities, for example through the Insolvency Service website: The Insolvency Service - GOV.UK. Please indicate your 1st and 2nd preference for location of assessment. Further information about this will be provided to candidates along with their invitation.

We will be holding a drop-in session during the recruitment window to be held via MS teams at 17:30 on 20 May 2026. This can be accessed through the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/383525420923833?p=kdxtPdLTbCYKNu6Zzf

It is expected that successful candidates will take up post on 1 November 2026.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,659, Insolvency Service contributes £10,909 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We want you to have a good work-life balance and want to support you in all that you do, so we offer a great benefits package including:

• flexible working arrangements and flexi-time
• full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• in addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day of privilege leave
• competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 5 days paid leave for learning and development
• 5 days paid for volunteering
• a Cycle to work scheme
• staff have access to an employee assistance programme, Workplace Wellness, for confidential, independent support and advice during difficult times in either their professional or personal life

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where the employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension. Your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. For more information, visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk

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, Ability and Experience.

As part of the sift process, you will be asked to complete:

• Online Tests
• Personal Statement

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Should a large number of applications be received, we reserve the right to increase the pass rate.

Before submission of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test and Civil Service Numerical Test.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 28 May 2026. If you fail to complete the online tests before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the tests will be available when you are invited to take the tests. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Your personal statement should be no more than 750 words and should explain how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the attributes and skills of an ideal candidate in the person specification.

If successful at the sift stage, at interview, you will be assessed on the following:

• Behaviours - assessed through:
  • Behaviour 1 – Making Effective Decisions
  • Behaviour 2 – Delivering at Pace
  • Behaviour 3 – Communicating and Influencing

Expected timeline (subject to change)

Sift – from 28th May 2026

Interview – 8th, 15th, and 22nd June 2026

Location – Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Ipswich, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, or Stratford (see addresses below)

East Midlands Regional Centre: 4th Floor, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG

Eastern Regional Centre: 2nd Floor, Franciscan House, 51 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1ED

London Regional Centre: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ

North East Regional Centre: 8th Floor, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QF

North West Regional Centre: 2nd Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester, M1 3BN

Scotland Regional Centre: Queen Elizabeth House, 1 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 8FT

South West Regional Centre: Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB

Wales Regional Centre: 6 Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1EP

West Midlands Regional Centre: Third floor, Cannon House, 18 Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6FD

Yorkshire and Humber Regional Centre: 3rd floor, 1 City Walk, Leeds, LS11 9DA

Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of this if you are selected for interview. Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

Visa Applicants

To sponsor a candidate under the Skilled Worker visa, a sponsorship licence is required. The Insolvency Service does not currently hold this licence and therefore, cannot legally sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants.

Hybrid Working

Insolvency Service operates a hybrid working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending a minimum of 60% in the workplace, which includes the office, site visits, court etc.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Insolvency Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via InsolvencyRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

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

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.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 : IES Workforce Planning
• Email : IES_WorkForcePlanning@insolvency.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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

Further information

If you feel there have been procedural irregularities at any stage of the recruitment process or that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact hr.recruitment@insolvency.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Insolvency Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 6509kB)Applying for a Job - A Candidate Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 3061kB)