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Assurance Officer

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Verification Assurance Officer – Scotland | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Salary: £32,137 per year
Location: Multiple locations across Scotland
Job type: Permanent
Contract: Full-time, part-time, flexible working or job share (subject to business needs)
Working hours: 37 hours per week for full-time employees
Vacancies: 50
Job grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Reference: 483262
Closing date: 20 October 2026, at 11:55 pm

Visa sponsorship:  Restricted. This vacancy is not currently eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship applications from candidates who do not already hold Skilled Worker permission sponsored before 4 April 2024. Applicants should check their individual eligibility before applying.

About the Role

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting 50 Verification Assurance Officers across Scotland to help prevent fraud, strengthen verification procedures and protect the welfare system.

You will work alongside Jobcentre and Service Centre colleagues to investigate concerns about supporting documents, identify potential fraud early and improve the accuracy of Universal Credit claims.

The role also involves helping customers understand their responsibilities while supporting colleagues to recognise and respond to potential fraud.

Important: This is a fully office-based position. Hybrid and home working are not available because the role requires face-to-face interviews with claimants. Travel between sites may also be required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct initial and follow-up interviews to verify information and supporting evidence provided by claimants.
  • Investigate concerns about identification documents, housing costs, children and childcare costs relating to Universal Credit.
  • Meet customers who have been asked to provide further evidence for their claims.
  • Work closely with Jobcentre and Service Centre teams to strengthen fraud prevention measures.
  • Share information about fraud trends and patterns with colleagues and specialist risk and intelligence teams.
  • Deliver customer education sessions explaining claimant responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
  • Maintain accurate management information and records as required.

Essential Skills and Experience

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

  • Strong customer engagement skills and the ability to conduct effective face-to-face interviews.
  • The ability to build rapport, ask relevant questions and gather accurate information.
  • Good organisation and the ability to work quickly while meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • A commitment to improving processes and maintaining a high standard of service.

The recruitment process places particular emphasis on customer engagement and interviewing skills, followed by the ability to work at pace and improve ways of working.

Is Training Provided?

Yes. Initial training can last up to eight weeks.

Successful candidates must be available to work full-time during specific training and consolidation periods, even where a part-time or alternative working pattern is being considered. Arrangements will be discussed with successful applicants.

DWP also offers funded learning and development, coaching, mentoring and opportunities to undertake relevant work-based qualifications.

Working Hours and Conditions

Full-time employees work 37 hours per week. Working hours may fall between:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:45 am to 8:00 pm.
  • Saturday: 8:45 am to 5:00 pm.

Managers will agree individual working schedules within these operating hours and provide advance notice.

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Alternative working patterns may be considered, depending on operational requirements. The role must be performed at a designated UK Jobcentre location, and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.

Available Locations Across Scotland

The advertised locations include:

Aberdeen, Airdrie, Alloa, Annan, Arbroath, Ayr, Banff, Bathgate, Bellshill, Blairgowrie, Buckie, Campbeltown, Clydebank, Cowdenbeath, Cumbernauld, Cumnock, Cupar, Dalkeith, Dingwall, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Dundee, Dunfermline, Dunoon, East Kilbride, Edinburgh, Elgin, Eyemouth, Falkirk, Forfar, Forres, Fort William, Fraserburgh, Galashiels, Girvan, Glasgow, Glenrothes, Grangemouth, Greenock, Hamilton, Hawick, Helensburgh, Inverness, Irvine, Johnstone, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Kirkwall, Lanark, Lerwick, Leven, Livingston, Montrose, Motherwell, Musselburgh, Oban, Paisley, Penicuik, Perth, Peterhead, Portree, Rothesay, Saltcoats, Stirling, Stornoway, Stranraer and Wick.

Applicants can select up to three preferred locations and list up to two additional preferences. Choose locations you can reasonably travel to every day.

Salary and Employee Benefits

The successful candidates will receive £32,137 per year, alongside a range of Civil Service benefits, including:

  • Civil Service pension with an advertised employer contribution of 28.97%.
  • At least 23 days of annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days with service.
  • Nine public and privilege leave days.
  • Flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs.
  • Interest-free season ticket loans and a cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Employee discounts and wellbeing support.
  • Family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave provisions subject to eligibility.
  • Funded learning, professional development and career progression opportunities.

Application and Selection Process

The recruitment process uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and includes the following stages:

Stage 1 – Application form: Complete your personal information and eligibility details.

Stage 2 – Online tests: Complete the Work Strengths Tests after receiving your invitation. Candidates are advised to take the tests within 24–48 hours. Allow at least one hour for the tests, in addition to the time needed for the written application. Practice guidance will be provided.

Stage 3 – CV details: Enter your employment history, qualifications, skills and relevant experience into the application system. You do not need to upload a separate CV.

Stage 4 – Personal statement: Candidates who pass the tests will be asked to submit a personal statement of no more than 750 words, explaining how their skills and experience meet the role requirements.

Your statement should provide evidence of customer engagement, effective interviewing, working under pressure and collaborating with colleagues. Examples may come from employment, education, volunteering or other relevant activities.

Stage 5 – Interview: Shortlisted candidates will attend a face-to-face interview lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. Questions will cover behaviours and strengths.

The assessed behaviours are:

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Working Together
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Communicating and Influencing

The sift is scheduled for 26 October to 6 November 2026, with interviews provisionally planned for 30 November to 11 December 2026. These dates may change.

Application deadline: All application stages, including the online tests and written submissions, must be completed by 11:55 pm on 20 October 2026. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn.

How to Apply

Read the full vacancy details carefully, confirm that you meet the eligibility and right-to-work requirements, and select suitable location preferences before applying.

Original source: Department for Work and Pensions, Civil Service Jobs
Reference number: 483262

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