For the NHSCFA, IFAW means doubling down on our messaging to the wider sector, however it is also important that the same message is not lost internally. Fraud is an ongoing risk, and as a public body, even a single fraudulent act can undermine the trust and reputation we work hard to build. It is crucial for everyone to stay aware, spot risks, and feel comfortable reporting concerns. It is the everyday vigilance and integrity of all our workforce that makes fraud prevention truly effective.
This list isn’t exhaustive but here are some types of fraud that could affect our organisation:
- falsifying timesheets: This involves employees claiming to have worked hours they did not actually work
- falsifying travel, subsistence and overtime: This includes making false claims for travel expenses or subsistence allowances, such as claiming for journeys not made or inflating the costs of travel
- expenses fraud: This involves the intentional misrepresentation or falsification of expense claims to gain financial benefits, such as submitting fake receipts or inflating costs
- recruitment fraud: This involves dishonest practices in the hiring process, such as falsifying qualifications or experience, or manipulating the recruitment process to favour certain candidates
- working elsewhere: This could be someone who is employed and being paid by the NHSCFA who undertakes other paid private work on CFA time
- cyber fraud: This encompasses a wide range of fraudulent activities conducted online, including phishing, hacking, and identity theft
Obviously the above do not mean someone is involved in wrongdoing, these are simply some of the patterns that can be present. Equally, preventing fraud isn’t about creating a culture of suspicion, or spying on your fellow colleagues - it is about working together to create an anti-fraud culture, i.e. maintaining transparency, fairness and accountability and being vigilant to the threat of fraud in our day-to-day work.
Our early internal fraud awareness survey findings indicate that whilst a large proportion feel comfortable in reporting fraud some are more confused about reporting routes and feel more cautious about doing so. So here are some ‘DO’s and DON’Ts to help you feel more confident.
Do
- report your suspicions: confidentiality will be respected – delays may lead to further financial loss. You can report anonymously to the Fraud & Corruption Reporting Line (FCRL) 24/7
- note your concerns: Record details such as the nature of your concerns, names, dates, times, details of conversations and possible witnesses. Remember to time, date and sign your notes
- retain evidence: Retain any evidence that may be destroyed or make a note
- remember that ‘finding fraud is a good thing’: As per the advice we give to the wider sector, finding fraud means it can be stopped!
Don't
- report to anyone but the Fraud & Corruption Reporting Line: These are the best routes in which to report your concerns, they are available 24/7 and free and confidential
- try to investigate the matter yourself: Never attempt to gather evidence yourself unless it is about to be destroyed; gathering evidence must be done in line with legal requirements for it to be useful
- be afraid of raising your concerns: The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) protects employees who have reasonable concerns
- confront the suspect or convey concerns to them: Never attempt to question a suspect yourself; this could alert a fraudster or lead to the potential loss of evidence and an innocent person being unjustly accused
The call to action is to remain mindful about fraud risks in your organisation. Does something not quite look or feel right? Think about risks in your own area of work. Is there a system weakness or vulnerability you have spotted that could expose your organisation to fraud? If so, ‘Spot it, report it, together we stop it.’