Head of Independent Reviewer’s Unit

The Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) is a fast-paced delivery and operational team that is responsible for holding departments and arms-length bodies to account for their handling of fraud in the public sector. The Authority writes the standards for counter fraud work across government and holds public bodies to account against these. Working in the PSFA offers access to a wide range of stakeholders across government and the opportunity to work with various sectors in a high-profile policy area with high media, parliamentary and ministerial interest.

The Team

The PSFA was launched on the 3rd August 2022 following an increased focus in government on tackling fraud. It succeeded the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF) in the Cabinet Office. The PSFA is at the centre of this function and leads work across government and public bodies to improve the prevention, detection and recovery of fraud. The PSFA is outcome and performance driven, offers a depth and breadth of expertise and works jointly with HMT to tackle fraud in the public sector.

In December 2025 the PAFER Act received Royal Assent. This establishes a new Independent Reviewer who will review and report on the PSFA’s use of the enforcement powers under PAFER i.e., the investigation of suspected fraud against public authorities; recovering relevant amounts in respect of a public authority’s losses; and taking enforcement action in connection with fraud against public authorities. The Independent Reviewer’s Unit will support the Independent Reviewer in their work.

This role will lead the Independent Reviewer’s Unit that provides support to the Independent Reviewer in their appointment, priorities, reports, recommendations and relationships. It will require a highly credible candidate who is able to work effectively with the Independent Reviewer, the PSFA’s Enforcement Unit, Ministers and Parliament.

This is a high-profile role with emphasis on senior leadership, technical expertise and the ability to flex. You will have a high level of autonomy and need to work closely with the Independent Reviewer and the leadership of the PSFA

You will lead a small team (yourself and 1 grade 7). This team may expand or change if the Enforcement Unit expands or changes in future to remain proportionate to the scale of operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead and manage the plan of activity and strategy with agreement from the Independent Reviewer, organising their work, advising them on both subject matter and themes for their attention and supporting them in advancing their priorities.
• Support the Independent Reviewer so they are able to be as effective as possible in their work.
• Work with the Independent Reviewer to Build effective relationships with the PSFA’s Enforcement Unit and support the Independent Reviewer in agreeing and maintaining effective ways of working with the Enforcement Unit.
• Lead the work to deliver the reviews the Independent Reviewer wishes to progress, progressing analysis, drawing on evidence, providing the Independent Reviewer with objective advice and supporting them to reach conclusions and recommendations.
• Monitor and ensure the delivery of the Independent Reviewer’s recommendations
• Lead the drafting of the Independent Reviewer’s reports and support the Independent Reviewer in their accountability to Ministers and Parliament
• Manage the processes to appoint Independent Reviewers, ensuring the process strictly follows the Code of Practice for Public Appointments and is highly credible to Ministers, Parliament and the public
• In the period before the initial Independent Reviewer is appointed, support other activities to implement the PAFER legislation
• Manage staff ensuring they are able to deliver with a strong focus on development of self and staff with the ability to get the best in a high-pressured changing environment
• Contribute to the wider PSFA and Cabinet Office as part of a corporate objective

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About Disability Confident

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