Job Description

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

E + Fraud Manager

Important Information:

Salary: £32,381 per annum
Location: UK (all offices) - London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast
Contract Duration: Two (2) Years Fixed Term (hybrid)
Closing Date: 31 August 2026, 22:59 UK time

You must have the legal right to work in the country at the time of application.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 million to UK organisations.

The Role:

The Fraud Manager plays a key role in supporting the effective prevention, detection, and investigation of fraud and incidents of non-compliance across Erasmus+. Reporting to the Senior Fraud Manager, the postholder is responsible for delivering day-to-day fraud risk management activity, undertaking investigations, and ensuring that suspected fraud, irregularities, or noncompliance are managed promptly, proportionately, and in line with legal, programme, contractual and regulatory requirements.

The role supports the development and operation of robust fraud controls, working closely with delivery teams and the wider compliance function to ensure fraud risks are understood, documented, and effectively mitigated. The Fraud Manager conducts detailed casework, supports evidence gathering and analysis, and contributes to clear, accurate reporting for senior leaders and the client.

A key member of the Compliance & Fraud team, the postholder helps strengthen Erasmus+’ fraud resilience through training, awareness raising, and the continual improvement of fraud prevention measures. By exercising sound judgement, maintaining high evidential standards, and modelling integrity, the Fraud Manager helps protect the programme from financial loss, reputational damage, and breaches of client trust.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:

Fraud Risk Management & Control Operation

• Execute the programme’s fraud & compliance risk management framework and control plan under the direction of the Senior Fraud Manager.
• Contribute to and complete appropriate fraud risk assessments
• Maintain and update fraud risk registers for assigned workstreams; track mitigations and ensure timely closure of actions.
• Stress test key processes (application, assessment, contract management, grant claims, change control) for fraud vulnerability and recommend targeted control enhancements.

Proactive Detection & Case Triage

• Run proactive detection activities (e.g., data anomaly reviews, red flag monitoring, sampling of high-risk transactions).
• Triage allegations and referrals, assess risk and materiality, and recommend proportionate next steps (monitor, review, investigate, or close).
• Coordinate evidence preservation and ensure secure, compliant handling of case materials.

Investigations & Casework Delivery

• Lead end-to-end investigations for allocated cases in line with investigative standards and due process.
• Conduct interviews, obtain witness statements, analyse documentation and financial records, and prepare case files to an auditable, evidential standard
• Recommend remedial actions (e.g., recovery, suspension of payments, control changes, partner sanctions) and monitor implementation to closure.

Reporting, MI & Assurance

• Produce clear, concise investigation reports, fraud summaries, and recommendations for the Senior Fraud Manager and governance board.
• Maintain accurate, timely case logs and contribute to dashboards/MI on fraud trends, losses prevented/recovered, and control effectiveness.
• Support internal and client assurance activity, audits, and spot checks with high-quality evidence and responses.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Work collaboratively with delivery teams, finance, risk, legal, data and compliance colleagues to ensure joined up fraud management.
• Engage constructively with key stakeholders to clarify expectations, address control weaknesses, and track remedial actions.
• Where appropriate, liaise with external bodies (e.g. auditors, enforcement, regulatory agencies) under the direction of the Senior Fraud Manager.

Prevention, Training & Culture

• Develop and deliver targeted fraud awareness sessions, guidance, and quick reference tools for staff and delivery partners.
• Embed practical, preventative controls (segregation of duties, approvals, documentation standards, third party verification) into operational processes.
• Promote a speak up culture and support safe, confidential reporting routes.

Compliance, Governance & Legal

• Ensure all fraud activity complies with contractual requirements, client policies, data protection, and relevant legislation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and secure data management practices; escalate conflicts of interest or sensitive matters promptly.
• Support policy and SOP updates to reflect lessons learned, audit findings, and emerging risks.

Data & Analytical Insight

• Work with relevant colleagues to refine red flag indicators, sampling logic, and detection models; validate data driven alerts.
• Translate analytical findings into actionable fraud controls and targeted assurance plans.
• Track benefits realised (e.g., prevented losses, recovery rates) to evidence value for money.

Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned

• Identify root causes from investigations and assurance reviews; drive practical control improvements with owners and partners.
• Log and track lessons learned and ensure they are shared programme wide through playbooks, guidance, and briefings.
• Contribute to periodic deep dives on high-risk themes (e.g., identity, eligibility, collusion, procurement).

Team Contribution & Professional Standards

• Manage own workload to agreed SLAs, prioritising by risk and materiality; escalate bottlenecks early.
• Maintain relevant professional knowledge (fraud typologies, investigative techniques, regulatory changes).

Requirements of the role:

• Investigation support and delivery: experience contributing to or leading investigations, including gathering evidence, assessing information, and helping to progress cases through to outcomes and recommendations.
• Report writing: able to produce clear and accurate investigation records, summaries, and reports for a range of audiences.
• Problem solving and control improvement: able to identify underlying issues and contribute to improvements in processes, guidance, training, or controls.
• Stakeholder engagement: experience working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to obtain information, resolve issues, and support delivery of outcomes.
• Assurance and compliance activity: experience supporting audits, reviews, quality checks, or other assurance activities, maintaining accurate records and evidence.
• Performance and case management: able to maintain accurate records, monitor activity, and use management information to identify trends and support decision-making.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in the public sector, regulated environments, or organisations with multiple delivery partners.
• Knowledge of fraud prevention, risk management, compliance, audit, or investigations.
• Experience delivering briefings, training sessions, guidance, or awareness activities.
• Experience engaging with external organisations, such as auditors, regulators, delivery partners, or enforcement bodies.
• Exposure to complex or sensitive casework involving multiple stakeholders or sources of evidence.
• Experience using case management systems, spreadsheets, databases, dashboards, or other tools to manage information and performance.

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A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org