Arts Council England

Head of Counter Fraud (FCS64) Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility) Salary: £56,561 per annum Grade B plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working. Location: Manchester (The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week) Protect public funding. Lead strategic change. Make a real impact. We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Counter Fraud to lead and shape our organisation's counter fraud strategy, ensuring that public funding is protected and fraud risks are effectively identified, managed and mitigated. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of all strategic and operational counter fraud activity across the organisation. You'll lead a specialist team, oversee complex fraud investigations, strengthen fraud prevention frameworks and work with senior leaders and external government partners to build a strong culture of integrity and accountability. If you're an experienced financial crime professional with a passion for protecting public funds and driving continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you. About the Role As Head of Counter Fraud, you will be responsible for developing and delivering our organisation-wide counter fraud strategy while leading the operational delivery of investigations into external fraud, internal fraud, bribery and corruption. You will provide expert advice across the organisation, ensuring compliance with Government Counter Fraud Functional Standards and relevant legislation, while embedding best practice and promoting fraud awareness at every level. Working closely with senior leaders and external partners, you'll influence policy, strengthen controls and help safeguard the organisation against emerging fraud risks. About You We're looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and influencing skills. You'll bring: Significant experience in a senior financial crime or counter fraud role. Proven experience of leading complex fraud investigations from initial assessment through to resolution. Experience of developing and implementing strategic and operational counter fraud policies and procedures. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence colleagues and senior leaders across an organisation. Experience of managing or leading a professional team. Excellent analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills. A recognised financial crime qualification such as ACFS, ACFT or ICA. Good working knowledge of relevant fraud legislation, bribery and corruption, and the legal framework surrounding fraud investigations. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to lead an important function that protects public investment and supports the delivery of our organisational mission. You'll work with talented colleagues across the organisation, influence strategic decision-making and collaborate with government bodies including DCMS, the Public Sector Fraud Authority, the Cabinet Office, the Charity Commission and law enforcement partners. If you're looking for a role where your expertise can make a tangible difference, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here We participate in the 'Offer an Interview' scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they're applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/ or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance. About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here. Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here. To view the job description please click here To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here Job ref: FCS64 Closing date: 09:00, Friday 11 September 1st Interview: (virtual) Tuesday 22 and Friday 25 September 2nd Interview: (In person at the Manchester office) Thursday 01 October Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact