Fraud Manager

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.

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.