Apprenticeship training course
Counter fraud investigator (level 4)
Leading small non-complex criminal investigations and a range of civil investigations.
- Qualification level
-
4
Equivalent to higher national certificate (HNC). - Typical duration
- 24 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Protective services
- Maximum funding
-
£15,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Also known as
-
- Counter fraud investigator
- Fraud investigator
- Investigation officer
- Investigator
- Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- Apply legislation and associated codes of practice and can determine points to prove in pursuing an investigation. Apply departmental policy.
- Investigate the points to prove in pursuing an investigation.
- Identify sources of information e.g. regarding the process of policy and law change.
- Maintain case files and produce investigation plans to the required standards for criminal, civil, regulatory or disciplinary investigations. Apply the Fraud Investigation Model (Criminal) / or organisational equivalent when responding to allegations of fraud.
- Differentiate between types of evidence (direct, circumstantial, hearsay etc.) and relate their significance.
- Utilise forensic opportunities and how to apply them in investigations (where relevant to the type of investigations undertaken).
- Apply consideration of the principles of RIPA codes of practice.
- Implement best practice for note taking during the course of an investigation (where relevant to the type of investigations undertaken). Implement best practice for witness statements during the course of an investigation (Relevant to the type of investigations undertaken).
- Produce records of the investigation activities / enquires during the course of an investigation. Apply the rules and relevant policies relating to the continuity of evidence so the source of evidence can be fully supported. Apply the classification and handling of information in line with the National Intelligence Model and national intelligence methodology (criminal investigation) and appropriate handling principles to source and intelligence material, demonstrating knowledge of potential risks of mishandling.
- Participate in searches (including consideration of Legal Professional Privilege) of a person, premises, vehicles or workplaces, adhering to policy and legislation of organisation.
- Assess the strength of evidence and apply the relevant legislation and codes of practice to gather evidence to required standards, subject to role
- Produce witness statements to the required standard for the investigations e.g. Criminal Investigation Standard.
- Use analysis techniques on a range of data and make sound and fair investigation decisions in investigation as appropriate. Apply the organisation’s protective marking scheme and source management before disseminating material.
- Apply the briefing and de-briefing method, disseminating information gathered to the appropriate individuals, groups, or departments as required, for all investigations.
- Utilise the PEACE model for interviewing, applying conversation management and open recall techniques, complete an overarching investigative interviewing strategy, produce interview plans, summarise and evaluate interviews to the required standard.
- Undertake an interview appropriate to the investigation being undertaken, introducing testimony and exhibits during interviews as appropriate.
- Recognise and respond to the varying demands of the witness.
- Produce and retain accurate investigator notes, narrative statements, 3rd party witness testimonies and transcripts.
- Produce concise, timely, clear, balanced & accurate reports, briefings, letters, e-mails & other items of correspondence.
- Prepare files, applications and orders for court to the required standard for the activity undertaken.
- Present evidence as a witness at appropriate hearings. Refer appropriate cases to other law enforcement agencies.
- Comply with the provisions of disclosure in legal proceedings.
- Obtain, record & present evidence in court during proceedings.
- Produce full and accurate post investigation assessments.
- Produce an evidence file with material to support court, tribunal or disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the requirements of the relevant legislation, codes of practice or departmental policy.
- Utilise the correct powers appropriate to the type of investigation.
- Build and maintain new and existing partner / stakeholder relationships to achieve progress on objectives, key initiatives and shared interests and developing beneficial working relationships.
- Categorising fraud and provide insight into how the fraud was perpetrated, calculate the losses and costs borne in cases of fraud for use in sanctions and redress outcomes.
Full information on Counter fraud investigator (level 4) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.