Job purpose

The Enforcement Officer will play a central role in the Immigration Advice Authority’s enforcement function, investigating and disrupting unlawful immigration advice-giving and related misconduct. The role will focus on criminal investigations into offences under sections 91 and 92B of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, including preparing cases for prosecution and representing the organisation at the criminal courts where appropriate.

The role will also contribute to a broader disruption-focused approach to enforcement, using a range of tools to prevent harm, protect advice seekers and deter unlawful conduct. This includes warning letters and other non-prosecution interventions, and in due course is expected to include the use of financial penalties and related enforcement measures as new statutory powers come into effect. The IAA is also expecting to secure Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) powers in the near future.

The postholder will support the organisation’s move towards a more professional, proactive and impact-focused enforcement model, working closely with internal colleagues and external partners to improve outcomes, strengthen deterrence and support the integrity of the immigration system.

Key responsibilities

Criminal investigations and case development

• Conduct criminal investigations into suspected unlawful immigration advice-giving and related offending, including offences under sections 91 and 92B of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, ensuring investigations are lawful, proportionate and evidence-led.
• Manage investigations from initial assessment through to outcome, including planning lines of enquiry, gathering and securing evidence, assessing evidential sufficiency, and maintaining clear and accurate case records.
• Undertake suspect and witness interviews, including interviews under caution, in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and organisational procedures.
• Apply for and execute search warrants where appropriate, ensuring all operational activity is carefully planned, legally compliant and properly documented.
• Prepare high-quality investigation files, witness statements, evidential schedules, case summaries and recommendations for enforcement action or prosecution.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal obligations relating to criminal investigations, including disclosure, continuity of evidence and proper record keeping.

Prosecutions and court work

• Prepare cases for criminal prosecution, working closely with legal advisers, prosecution solicitors and Counsel as required.
• Support the progression of cases through the criminal justice process, including liaison with prosecutors, courts, witnesses and partner agencies.
• Represent the organisation at the criminal courts where appropriate, and give evidence professionally, clearly and credibly.
• Liaise with witnesses before, during and after trial, ensuring they are kept informed and appropriately supported throughout the court process
• Disruption and wider enforcement activity
• Identify and deliver the most appropriate disruption response to unlawful activity, using a range of tools proportionate to the seriousness of the conduct, the level of harm, and the public interest in each case.
• Use non-prosecution interventions where appropriate, including warning letters and other enforcement or compliance measures designed to stop harmful conduct quickly and effectively.
• As new statutory powers are commenced, support the use of financial penalties and other associated sanctions in line with organisational policy, guidance and delegated authority.
• Contribute to a disruption-focused model of enforcement that seeks not only to prosecute offending where justified, but also to prevent recurrence, strengthen deterrence and protect vulnerable advice seekers.
• Investigate cases involving unregulated advisers and, where required, support action in cases involving suspected criminal activity or abuse by regulated advisers, applying sound judgement across both enforcement and regulatory contexts.

• 
  Partnership working and complainant / victim engagement

• Work closely with partner agencies and stakeholders, including other regulators, police forces, Immigration Enforcement and legal representatives, to gather evidence, support operational activity and improve enforcement outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective operational relationships that strengthen referrals, joint working and disruption opportunities.
• Support complainants, witnesses and victims through the investigation and enforcement process, including signposting to appropriate support services where relevant

• 
  Operational standards and continuous improvement

• Maintain high professional standards in investigation, case handling and decision-making, ensuring all activity is timely, accurate, fair and properly documented.
• Make full and effective use of case management and recording systems to support consistent case handling, auditability, management information and organisational learning.
• Contribute to the development of enforcement practice, process improvement and the wider objectives of the organisation, supporting a more modern, efficient and effective enforcement function.
• Contribute to engagement activity where required, including presentations or other work to explain the organisation’s enforcement role to partners and stakeholders.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required in support of the enforcement function and wider organisational priorities.

Essential criteria

• Current PIP Level 2 accreditation, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the College of Policing as being mapped to the PIP 2 standard (see annex for equivalents). Please note that applications will be initially sifted against the criteria listed above. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet this requirement at the beginning Q1 of the application form. However, you will be expected to meet all elements of the essential criteria to progress beyond the shortlisting stage.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex criminal investigations or enforcement cases from initial allegation or intelligence through to outcome including conducting interviews, taking witness evidence and preparing high-quality case files for criminal prosecution or other formal enforcement action.
• An excellent working knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996.
• Experience of gathering, assessing, analysing and presenting complex information and evidence clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Experience of using a range of disruption techniques in addition to prosecution, such as warning letters, cautions, regulatory or compliance interventions, and/or financial penalties.
• Experience of working effectively and sensitively with external partners, stakeholders, complainants, witnesses, legal representatives and partner organisations in a regulatory, criminal justice, public sector or law enforcement environment.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands and deliver to deadlines and KPIs in a fast-moving operational environment.
• Ability to travel to conduct enquiries or attend meetings.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%

An information pack on the IAA is attached to this advertisement.

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk
• Email : recruitment@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk