2023-2024-012 : Housing Tenancy Fraud Investigation Services

Scope of Requirements •Manage the referrals submitted via MTVH standard template, which demonstrates approval from the MTVH budget holder. •Provide a secure area for the exchange of information between each stakeholder. •For live cases, provide a case log of all the actions undertaken by investigator(s). •Carry out external data checks including searching for open-source intelligence, public government data, credit agency searches, in addition to checking publicly available data. •Undertake site and property visits to carry out the necessary actions to conduct investigations, keeping clear records, whilst adhering to any legal and regulatory guidelines and requirements. •Produce a preliminary report of initial findings disclosing all records and material discovered, to obtain approval from MTVH to continue with any proposed actions. •Produce a written plan of action for approval which may include interviewing persons, obtaining witness statements, carrying out surveillance activity, undertaking a tenancy audit etc. •Carry out investigations outside of office hours, covering seven days a week between 05.00-22.00. •If physical investigations do take place in antisocial hours, the supplier should carry out its own risk assessments, including lone working assessments, before deploying investigators. •If the supplier obtains external data that is not available through open source such as a DPA Exemption request, the internal application request should be securely shared with MTVH. •Approval should be sought from MTVH before conducting a tenancy audit. •MTVH will complete any invitation for in-person interview, although the interview may be conducted jointly with the supplier. •A final report outlining the investigation and its findings and recommendations should be sent to MTVH. This should be delivered per the targets agreed at the monthly meetings with MTVH. •Litigation is a costly and risky activity; the supplier should understand the civil litigation process and have experience in preparing cases for Court. The In-house Legal Team and Senior Managers at MTVH will make the final decision over litigation matters. The supplier may be required to provide a witness statement and provide evidence in Court, as and when required.