The NHS Counter Fraud Conference took place in Leeds on 15 January. Counter fraud specialists from across the sector came together at the event to hear subject experts and discuss ways in which we can collaborate to further develop our collective response to tackle fraud, bribery and corruption in the NHS.
With over 130 people at the event, delegates heard about many subjects including the opportunities around professionalisation of counter fraud work within the NHS and the emerging fraud threats (and potential operational benefits) of artificial intelligence. Also Ben Reid, Specialist Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service spoke about the demands and expectations of the Crown Prosecution Service when the NHS are seeking to prosecute offenders.
We also got practical advice from expert speakers around pursuing salary overpayment investigations, developing best practice around financial recovery and the opportunity to access the services of the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN) free of charge for NHS bodies. There was also a panel Q&A session picking up questions/issues from the LCFS community. The subsequent conversations highlighted some interesting areas for further development and engagement around improving the overall collaborative response to countering fraud across the NHS.
Feedback has been extremely positive. Hannah Wenlock, an LCFS from consortium TIAA, said:
“It was great that the NHSCFA held this conference. It’s so useful to meet NHSCFA staff and other LCFSs to discuss the joint challenges we face on subjects such as salary overpayments. Having such events makes the organisation much more approachable.”
Ivan Bradshaw, Fraud Specialist Manager, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I think the day was an overwhelming success. The speakers, the venue, the flow of the day all just seemed to work, and I know that is not by chance, but by hard work.”