Fraud Investigator

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

As a Fraud Investigator you will gather evidence for criminal cases relating to long-term, complex or high value fare evasion, with a view to complete a case file for court.

You will have a high level of attention to detail and be able to detect anomalies in data sets which may be indicative of irregular travel. You will carry out overt and covert surveillance, if authorised to do so, and carry out interviews of suspected offenders in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Conduct objective, fair, thorough, unbiased, and timely investigations into allegations of fraud, or other criminal offences on the rail network.
• Coordinate with Prosecutions Officers to provide recovery strategies and use of law enforcement resources for assistance.
• Manage and prioritise a large and varied case load effectively and efficiently to achieve positive results
• Prepare prosecution packages in accordance with the Criminal Rules Procedures 2020, and restitution packages in line with delegated authority.
• Conduct criminal interviews in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and maintain your knowledge of PACE and other legislation relating to investigative practices including General Data Protection Regulations.
• Have a thorough understanding of ticketing, restrictions, and validities, as well as those of supporting documents.
• Understand retailing, keep up to date with retail issues and attend relevant courses as appropriate, with a specific focus on new products.
• Understand evidential standards for criminal investigations, as well as court room procedure.
• Maintain competency as an Authorised Collector, as defined by the Railways (Penalty Fares) Act 2018.
• Have a working knowledge of the Railways (Penalty Fares) Act 2018, the Railway Bylaws, National Rail Conditions of Travel, Regulation of the Railways Act 1889, Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Fraud Act 2002 and other relevant criminal legislation.
• Advise and guide revenue protection staff in the correct application of relevant law and legal procedure and supervise low risk fraud caseload which has been assigned to RPA/RPIs.
• Act as an ambassador for the revenue protection department, highlighting successful work to reduce ticketless travel to the wider business.
• Be conversant with relevant company standards and policies, ensuring compliance with revenue protection guidelines, cash regulations and personal safety guidelines.

You'll need:

• To have a working knowledge of revenue protection methods, and relevant laws and legal procedures. Experience of working in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is desirable.
• To have experience working in an investigative role, either in revenue protection, policing, or associated fields.
• Ability to manage large caseload within strict legal timeframes
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Be confident in sometimes dealing with customers in difficult situations, appearing as a witness in courts, and when working with legal professionals for the prosecution or defence.
• Be confident in using modern technology, including railway and legal back-office systems.
• Post holder must be able to obtain Level 7 National Certificate in Advanced Investigative Practice within 12 months of appointment

About the location

Your main office will be Overline House, Southampton, however, you will be required to travel across the network as needed.

Working pattern

You will work an average of 37 hours per week across 5 days, Monday - Friday, office hours. Flexibility is required to meet business needs.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.