About Project Athena

A guide to Project Athena

Published: 20 February 2024

Updated: 1 April 2025

Image of a data gauge at maximum next to a database icon
Image of and microchip icon with a lock icon in the center
Image of a ring of cubes linked together with an chain link icon in the center.
Image of four icons, in the top left a hand holding bank note icon, in the top right a medicine bottle icon, in the botton left to preson icons with medical icons on their clothes, in the bottom right is a tooth icon

Project Athena takes data analysis to a new level for faster, more extensive detection of NHS fraud. The programme uses data science techniques to identify fraud patterns and trends in healthcare data, aiming to spot increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes and take action to prevent them.

The programme works alongside key partners, including the Department of Health and Social Care Anti-Fraud Unit, NHS England, NHS Business Services Authority and the Public Sector Fraud Authority.

Key messages:

​ ​
  • Smarter fraud detection. Project Athena helps spot unusual patterns in NHS data early, making it easier to take quick action and prevent fraud.​
  • Better use of technology. By using advanced data science techniques, including machine learning, Project Athena can improve accuracy and focus on the biggest risks.​​
  • Fast and scalable. Information is shared across the fraud prevention network, helping teams respond quickly and monitor risks in real time.​​
  • Safe and responsible data use. All data is managed securely and ethically, following strict rules. Experts review findings to ensure accuracy and transparency.​​
  • Stronger fraud prevention. By identifying risks early, Project Athena strengthens NHS fraud prevention efforts, reducing losses and protecting resources.​

Contact us​

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about Project Athena or need more information, we’re here to help.​

Email ProjectAthena@nhscfa.gov.uk

Social media: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter where you can find out about developments of Project Athena.

Help us improve cfa.nhs.uk

Tell us what's happened so we can fix the problem. Please do not provide any personal, identifiable or sensitive information.

Close

Thanks for the feedback!

Close