Risk & Fraud Lead

Job summary

We are recruiting for two roles within our Risk, Fraud and Business Continuity function — a G7 Lead and an SEO Manager. Working together, these roles play a critical part in strengthening organisational resilience and ensuring that the Planning Inspectorate can deliver its services effectively, securely and sustainably.

Risk & Fraud Lead

The G7 Lead operates across the entire organisation, providing strategic direction, expert oversight and senior-level assurance on risk, counter fraud and business continuity. This is the organisation’s senior subject matter expert in these areas, working closely with senior leaders and cross functional teams including Digital, Finance, Operations, Commercial, Strategy and Corporate Governance.

You will shape and drive our organisation wide approach to risk:

• Setting strategic risk direction and leading the development of our risk strategy

• Identifying and assessing complex strategic risks

• Advising Executive Team members and Heads of Service on risk appetite, mitigation and organisational impact

• Leading the maturation of our counter fraud capability

• Embedding governance frameworks that support transparent, informed decision making

• Ensuring business continuity arrangements are robust, tested and understood across all services

This role is central to improving organisational resilience, influencing change at a senior level and strengthening the systems that underpin all Planning Inspectorate operations.

Risk & Fraud Manager

The SEO Manager works across all business areas to provide operational support, oversight and subject matter expertise, helping teams manage their risks effectively and maintain high-quality business continuity and counter fraud practices.

You will:

• Support the identification and management of emerging risks

• Advise stakeholders on mitigations and risk appetite

• Contribute to strengthening our counter fraud function

• Maintain and support testing of business continuity plans

• Work collaboratively with teams across Digital, Finance, Service Delivery and beyond to ensure consistent risk management practices

This role provides essential operational insight and plays a key part in embedding good risk, fraud and continuity practice across projects and services.

Job description

You will have experience designing and implementing risk management policies, frameworks, and models, with knowledge of corporate and enterprise risk management. You will be comfortable working across risk, counter fraud, and business continuity, and providing clear, evidence based advice to a range of stakeholders.

You communicate in a clear and accessible way, adapting your style for different audiences, including Executive leaders, Boards, and governance forums. You can explain complex topics simply, offer constructive challenge where needed, and support informed decision making.

This role involves setting direction, managing competing priorities and working at pace. You will lead by example, support an inclusive working environment, and encourage continual improvement across the team and wider organisation.

You will build collaborative relationships across the Inspectorate and with colleagues across Government to enhance our approach to risk and assurance. You will present reports to senior forums, support decision making, and help embed effective practices into day-to-day operations.

As the Risk & Fraud lead you will be the senior subject matter expert, you will oversee and develop our risk, fraud, and business continuity frameworks so they align with Government standards and contribute to a mature, proactive risk culture. You will guide the strategic development of these functions and provide insight that supports organisational priorities.

You will also lead the central team, including line management of the Risk & Fraud Manager, and create a supportive, inclusive and wellbeing focused team environment.

Role types and Salary details

There are 2 roles available at different grades and employment types:

Risk & Fraud Lead (Grade 7) – Fixed Term Contract for 12 Months, Salary - £59,644.

Risk & Fraud Manager (SEO) – Permanent, Salary - £46,689.

Salary

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Working hours:

Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available

Part time at 26 hours or above, flexible working hours policy available

The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.

We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.

For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please visit our careers page at Civil Service Careers

Office Attendance

This role is contractually based in Bristol, just a 10 minute walk from Temple Meads train station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units – For these roles the successful candidate can expect to attend the office an average of once a month.

Person specification

We will assess your application against the Essential Criteria listed:

Essential Criteria for Risk & Fraud Lead (G7):

• A high calibre risk professional with a recognised qualification in a Risk discipline e.g. IRM Certificate/Diploma, or Member of the Government Risk Profession (GRP), CIPFA, or CIFAS and associated professional body membership.

• Significant experience of implementing government/audit requirements, frameworks and risk management principles e.g. ISO31000, The Orange Book, COSO framework, Functional Standards, guidance and legislation.

• Experience undertaking counter fraud and business continuity activities via projects, audits and/or business as usual.

• Significant experience of relationship/stakeholder management, demonstrating the ability to challenge, persuade, influence and motivate others to actively engage in the value of effective risk management.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and experience presenting data to stakeholders, conveying complex information to a variety of technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Experience managing others and the ability to provide coaching and mentoring as a subject matter expert.

Essential Criteria for Risk & Fraud Manager (SEO)

• A high calibre risk professional with experience in risk management and/or professional qualification/part qualification from a recognised and relevant body e.g. IRMCert, CIPFA, CIFAS or willingness to work towards professional qualifications within a reasonable period.

• Knowledge of relevant operational governance, frameworks and internal control standards e.g. The Orange Book, ISO31000.

• Experience of risk management, fraud, business continuity, internal audit or governance in a professional context, ideally within public sector or civil service.

• A demonstrable track record in identifying and managing risks and successfully challenging and influencing key stakeholders across multiple teams, projects and initiatives.

• Established communication skills including report writing, presentations, and experience delivering workshops and training.

• Ability to foster a proactive, dynamic approach to risk management, support the development of risk culture and demonstrate its importance across all areas of the business.

For guidance on how to structure your application please visit: About the application process , Civil Service Careers

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,689, Planning Inspectorate contributes £13,525 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
• 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
• Generous family friendly policies.
• Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.

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, Strengths and Experience.

Application

Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:

• A CV: The CV section lets you share your job history. List your jobs, how long you worked at each, and briefly describe your roles and duties. Make sure to show how your experience matches the essential criteria of the job you're applying for. Type or paste this information into the 'Employment History' box in the online application. You can't attach your CV.
  
  
• A Personal Statement (1000 words max):The personal statement lets you explain why you're a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert.

If there are many applications, we might use a lead sift. This means we'll first check if you meet the key requirement listed below. If you don't, we won't review the rest of your application.

• Significant experience of implementing government/audit requirements, frameworks and risk management principles e.g. ISO31000, The Orange Book, COSO framework, Functional Standards, guidance and legislation

All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.

This campaign covers two roles at different grades: Risk & Fraud Lead (G7) and Risk & Fraud Manager (SEO).

We are running a single recruitment process to fill both positions.

To ensure a fair and open competition in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please note:

How we will assess you

• You only need to submit one application to be considered for both roles. All candidates will then go through a single selection process, assessed against the Civil Service Success Profiles framework (Behaviours, Experience and Strengths)
• During the interview, the panel will assess candidates against criteria appropriate to the grade of each role. This means the questions are the same, but the expected level of evidence differs between SEO and G7, in line with Civil Service Behaviour and grade standards.

How we will decide the grade you are appointed to:

After interview, you may be assessed as suitable for:

• G7, or
• SEO, or
• Both grades, depending on the level of evidence you provide

Offers will be made strictly in merit order, and only where you meet the required standard for that grade, ensuring selection on merit and fair competition.

What this means for you

• You do not need to choose a grade when applying.
• You will only be offered a role at a grade where you meet all essential criteria and achieve the required interview pass mark for that grade.
• This ensures a transparent and fair process and avoids disadvantaging candidates applying across a dual grade competition.

Interview

If you are shortlisted, you will:

• Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role
• Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, strength and experience questions
• Need to prepare and deliver a presentation

Candidates who pass the shortlist stage will receive full assessment details with their interview invitations.

Other Information

Shortlist Date: 18th February 2026

Interview Date: w/c 2nd March 2026

Interviews will be held remotely using MS Teams. The interview will not be recorded or retained, other than usual interview protocol and in line with Civil Service Jobs privacy notice.

Reserve list

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

Future Matches

Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and future readiness but score just below the required level at interview may be considered for alternative positions. These roles may be at a lower grade but align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth.

Merit list order

We appoint in merit list order, starting with any permanent appointments followed by any fixed term appointments.

We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.

ID and Documents

If the job needs specific qualifications or memberships and you get the job, you'll need to send scanned or photographed images of them before you start.

We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to do a right to work check using identity document validation technology (IDVT) through the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP), Civil Service Jobs. If we are unable to confirm your right to work and through the IDVT we will need to do a manual right to work check using original documents with you in person.

Visa Sponsorship

The Planning Inspectorate cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates, we do not hold a Visa sponsorship licence.

Disability Confident Interview scheme/Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service values diversity and offers equal opportunities. We have a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the job's minimum criteria. We will also provide reasonable adjustments to all where possible. For more information please see Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers.

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 : Ellie Gleave
• Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact in the first instance: The Vacancy Manager via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk).

If you are not satisfied with the response, you receive you should then contact, Chief People Officer, via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk).

If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitme…

Attachments

EVP(Great_Place_To_Work) Opens in new window (pdf, 534kB)