Today, the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) is participating in the high profile launch event of the Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) at Methodist Central Hall, London. NHSCFA will showcase its work with a stand throughout the day, where staff will be on hand to explain its remit, and how to report any suspicions of fraud against the NHS.
The GCFP initiative is led by Minister for the Constitution, Chloe Smith MP.
It is designed to create a new community of counter fraud professionals across government, enhance the structure of its counter fraud capability and put the UK in a better position to find and fight fraud and economic crime.
NHSCFA has played an important role among a number of organisations involved in the development of the GCFP. With its well established team of counter fraud professionals and experience of working in harmony with a national network of local counter fraud provision, it has embraced the proposal of a common framework of Professional Standards and Competencies. It also welcomes the introduction of a Professional Skills Platform (PSP), a web-based tool through which members can register their knowledge, skills, and experience, and self-assess against a range of counter fraud roles.
The profession aims to deliver improvement and support to those working in counter fraud starting with investigations, risk assessments and data analytics, all three being crucial for tackling health service fraud.
While NHSCFA retains a vital capacity to investigate the higher value and more complex NHS frauds, it fully recognises the paramount importance of preventing and understanding fraud.
Sue Frith, interim CEO of NHSCFA, said today: "We are right behind this push to make the UK a global leader in the professionalisation of counter fraud work and have been delighted to share our expertise and help launch this vital initiative. We will also be present at the 18th October launch at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle."
If you suspect that anyone is committing fraud or another economic crime against the NHS, tell NHSCFA about it - you can call our 24-hour, confidential reporting line 0800 028 40 60 or use our main website to report online: www.cfa.nhs.uk
"NHS fraud. Spot it, report it, together we stop it"
For more information contact the NHSCFA press office on 020 7895 4519/4524.
Notes to Editors
- For more details visit the website www.cfa.nhs.uk
- NHS Counter Fraud Authority is a Special Health Authority established under the NHS Act 2006 as amended.
- When NHSCFA uses the term 'fraud', we refer to a range of economic crimes, such as fraud, bribery, corruption or any other illegal acts committed by an individual or group of individuals to obtain a financial or professional gain.
- NHSCFA will work closely with NHS Local Counter Fraud Specialists across the NHS in England to ensure that healthcare crime is tackled and a culture of fraud prevention and deterrence is in place.
- NHSCFA will also support the work of the NHS Counter Fraud Service (Wales).
- There are some 300 professionally trained and accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists in place within health bodies across England and Wales.