Deputy Head of Counter Fraud, Band 7

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a nationally recognised, high-performing Local Counter Fraud Service delivering a bespoke, intelligence-led counter fraud function to three NHS organisations across Gloucestershire. As Deputy Head of the Gloucestershire NHS Counter Fraud Service, you will play a pivotal leadership role in safeguarding public funds, protecting multi-million-pound operational budgets, and strengthening organisational resilience against fraud, corruption and bribery.

Reporting to the Head of Counter Fraud, you will support the strategic leadership, governance and operational performance of the Service, ensuring the effective and proportionate deployment of resources through a professional, motivated team. You will assist in managing and committing expenditure against the counter fraud budget, ensuring financial control, value for money and alignment with agreed strategic priorities.

You will lead an agreed portfolio of clients and programmes, developing and delivering comprehensive, risk-based Counter Fraud Plans tailored to organisational risk profiles. This includes undertaking fraud risk assessments, horizon scanning, and thematic risk projects; designing and delivering proactive, intelligence-led exercises; utilising data analytics to identify anomalies and emerging threats; and implementing targeted prevention strategies that strengthen internal controls and reduce loss.

A key aspect of the role is leading complex, sensitive and high-value investigations in accordance with criminal and civil law, ensuring robust case management, evidence handling, witness interviewing and liaison with prosecuting authorities where appropriate. You will oversee sanctions and redress strategies, including criminal, civil and disciplinary outcomes, and support asset recovery where applicable. You will also ensure effective management of fraud referrals, whistleblowing concerns and confidential reporting mechanisms.

The post provides direct line management and professional leadership to a Local Counter Fraud Specialist and a Local Counter Fraud Support Assistant, promoting high standards of investigative practice, quality assurance, continuous professional development and compliance with the NHS Standard Contract. You will ensure delivery of an integrated, independent and objective service that meets or exceeds stakeholder expectations.

Operating at Board and senior executive level, you will provide expert advice, assurance and strategic guidance to Directors and Audit Committees. You will work in close partnership with the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, internal audit, and other public sector and government bodies. You will actively promote the Counter Fraud Service across local and regional networks, building collaborative relationships, sharing best practice and strengthening cross-sector intelligence-sharing arrangements.