E+ Senior Fraud Manager

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 + Senior Fraud Manager

Important Information:

Contract Duration: Two years fixed term contract with a possibility of an extension

Pay band: 8

Salary: £38,820

Location: UK - London

Right to Work Requirements: Right to work in the UK at the time of application. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications. 

Closing Date:  Applications will close at 23:59 on 29 April 2026 22:59 UK Time

We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds. 

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 Senior Fraud Manager plays a critical senior role in safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Erasmus+. Reporting to the Head of Compliance & Fraud, the postholder is responsible for the design, oversight, and delivery of proactive and reactive compliance & fraud risk management activities across the full programme lifecycle.

The role ensures that robust systems, controls, and investigative processes are in place to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud, irregularities, and noncompliance. Working within a highly regulated, contract driven environment, the Senior Fraud Manager provides expert advice on fraud risk exposure, ensures alignment with client expectations and statutory requirements, and supports continuous improvement of fraud controls across delivery partners and internal Erasmus+ teams.

Acting as a trusted subject matter expert, the postholder leads complex investigations, manages case handling to a high evidential standard, and ensures that reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant. They work collaboratively with the wider Compliance, Risk, Delivery, Finance, and Data teams, as well as external organisations where appropriate, to build a programme culture of vigilance, transparency, and ethical delivery.

The Senior Fraud Manager also plays a key role in capability building across Erasmus+ - developing training, guidance, and analytical approaches that enhance fraud resilience and support consistent, high-quality assurance across a diverse delivery landscape. Through strong leadership, professional judgement, and a commitment to public value, the role supports the Head of Compliance & Fraud in ensuring Erasmus+ is protected against financial loss, reputational damage, and breaches of client trust.

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:  

Fraud Risk Strategy & Framework Management

• Support the Head of Compliance & Fraud in developing and maintaining the programme’s compliance & fraud risk management framework, ensuring alignment with client requirements, legal & regulatory expectations, and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to and complete appropriate fraud risk assessments
• Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of fraud and irregularity risks across the full grant lifecycle, including application, assessment, delivery, and monitoring stages.

Fraud Prevention, Detection & Response

• Oversee proactive compliance & fraud detection activities, including data analysis, pattern identification, risk indicators, and targeted risk assessments.
• Manage reactive responses to suspected fraud and incidents of non-compliance, coordinating evidence gathering, case triage, and proportional investigation activity.
• Ensure appropriate escalation, remediation, and follow-up actions are implemented, including recovery of funds where required.

Investigation Leadership & Case Management

• Lead complex investigations into suspected fraud, irregularities, and non‑compliance, ensuring adherence to legal standards, due process, and investigative best practice.
• Maintain high-quality case documentation, ensuring investigations are evidentially sound and auditable.
• Prepare clear, accurate investigation reports and briefings for the Head of Compliance & Fraud, senior leaders, and the EC.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Build effective relationships with internal teams, delivery partners, and external bodies (e.g., auditors, law enforcement, or regulatory agencies) to support coordinated fraud management.
• Act as a key point of contact within the National Agency on fraud related matters, ensuring timely reporting, transparency, and proactive communication.
• Represent the programme in discussions on fraud, when appropriate.

Capability Building & Culture Development

• Develop and deliver training, guidance, and awareness materials for staff and key stakeholders as appropriate to strengthen fraud resilience across Erasmus+.
• Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability by embedding strong fraud controls and clear expectations of behaviour.
• Provide coaching and support to junior team members and colleagues across the wider compliance function.

Governance, Reporting & Assurance

• Ensure all fraud related activity complies with contractual governance requirements, client mandated standards, and relevant legislation.
• Produce high-quality fraud risk reports, dashboards, and insights for internal governance boards and the EC.
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and client assurance activity by providing expert input and evidential support.

Continuous Improvement & Control Enhancement

• Identify control gaps and recommend enhancements to strengthen fraud prevention and detection capability.
• Drive the implementation of improved systems, processes, and tools to streamline fraud management activity.
• Monitor the effectiveness of existing controls through data insights, assurance findings, and lessons learned from investigations.

Requirements of the role:

• Expertise in designing effective policies, controls, and assurance mechanisms that prevent fraud at source.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, client mandated standards, public sector requirements, and contractual obligations governing fraud response in funded programmes.
• Strong professional judgement to make balanced decisions in time sensitive and high stakes situations.
• Ability to use data analysis, risk indicators, and pattern recognition to detect anomalies and emerging fraud risks.
• Degree or work equivalent experience

Desirable:

• Experience of working in public sector organisations, particularly aligned to a central government remit.
• Fraud related qualification or equivalent
• CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or ACFS (Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist)

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

 #LI-Hybrid

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