Derek O’Neill
Greenhithe,Kent
Summary
An investigations officer with over 30 years experience working within the local authority fraud environment.
Works to create and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, internal departments and outside agencies.
Open to sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues whilst also accepting advice and guidance with a view to continual improvement.
Experienced in undertaking complex investigations, evidence collection and interviewing in compliance with relevant legislation/procedures as well as report writing.
Experienced at giving evidence at Crown, Magistrate & County Court as well as at disciplinary hearings and employment tribunals.
Created and presented fraud awareness training to various departments in the local authority and housing association sectors.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Internal Audit & Anti Fraud Investigator
Royal Borough of Greenwich
London
08.2001 - 05.2024
• Managed a caseload of investigations into allegations of fraud relating to Benefits, Council Tax, Direct Payments, Housing, Employees/Contractors, from referral to resolution.
• Conducted investigative interviews with witnesses, suspects, and employees, in compliance with relevant legal legislation.
• Gathered, reviewed and preserved evidence, prepared detailed case files and reports for all investigations including those that supported criminal prosecutions, civil recovery, and disciplinary action.
• Worked effectively with internal departments (e.g. Housing, Legal Services, Human Resources) and external agencies (e.g., Local Authorities, Police, UK Border Agency) to coordinate joint operations
• Utilised case management software (INCASE) and database research to track investigation progress, ensuring accurate documentation and chain of custody for all evidence
• Attended court (Crown, Magistrate, County) as well as Benefit/Employment Tribunal hearings
• Created and presented fraud awareness training to various departments at Royal Greenwich and the London Borough of Bromley
Investigations Officer
CAPITA
London
08.2000 - 08.2001
Investigations Officer
Agency Work
Enfield, Lewisham, Newham & Canterbury
06.1998 - 07.2001
Investigations & Warrant Officer
Gravesham Borough Council
Gravesend, Kent
11.1992 - 06.1998
Education
Professionalism in Security (PINS) - Fraud Investigation
Portsmouth University
PortsmouthSkills
Evidence collection and preservation, forensic data analysis, surveillance techniques, background checks, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering
Extensive experience of relevant legislation, legal compliance standards, and court procedures
Exceptional written and oral communication, interviewing and detailed report writing
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, as well as case and time management
Discreet, confident, impartial, and adaptable
Certification
Full and clean UK Driving Licence
Accomplishments
2008/9 Metropolitan Police Commendation for contribution to a complex investigation into a fraud perpetrated against the student loan system.
Timeline
Internal Audit & Anti Fraud Investigator
Royal Borough of Greenwich
08.2001 - 05.2024
Investigations Officer
CAPITA
08.2000 - 08.2001
Investigations Officer
Agency Work
06.1998 - 07.2001
Investigations & Warrant Officer
Gravesham Borough Council
11.1992 - 06.1998
Professionalism in Security (PINS) - Fraud Investigation
Portsmouth University