The NHS Counter Fraud Authority-Welsh Government agreement
In 2001, NHS Counter Fraud Authority entered into a joint working agreement with the Welsh Government (WG) to provide specialist counter fraud support services to NHS Wales. The terms of the agreement under section 83 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 set out arrangements for NHS Counter Fraud Authority to:
- undertake responsibility for counter fraud, bribery and corruption issues in NHS Wales as delegated by the WG
- provide the WG with specialist investigation support services purchased via an annual contract agreement
The agreement between the Welsh Government and the NHSCFA (and its predecessor organisations) has been in place since 2001. The latest version was signed in November 2017, when the NHSCFA was established.
Under the agreement NHS Counter Fraud Authority provides NHS Wales with:
- Specialist counter fraud support services which include specialist dental advice, policy advice, communications and media services, quality assurance services, IT services, operational management services and specialist operational support
- Controlled access to restricted information via national gateway arrangements with various investigative bodies, which includes access to databases maintained by the police, HMRC, DWP and the DVLA
NHS Counter Fraud Service Wales
The NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS) Wales team is a division of the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP). The CFS Wales Team Manager reports to the NWSSP Director of Finance on budgetary and performance issues and reports to the NHSCFA on professional and operational management issues.
The CFS Wales team is made up of experienced investigators and their role includes:
- investigating and prosecuting large scale, sensitive and complex fraud and bribery cases, and all corruption cases in NHS Wales (you can read a couple of case examples below)
- raising awareness of current fraud risks in NHS Wales by highlighting successful prosecutions, circulating intelligence bulletins, conducting proactive work and presentations within NHS Wales and regular liaison with key partners
- conducting financial investigation and restraint actions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- providing specialist support and guidance to a network of Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs) who are employed by health bodies in Wales and report to their individual directors of finance
The LCFSs receive accredited training from NHS Counter Fraud Authority and their responsibilities include the investigation of fraud cases within their own health body, identifying system weaknesses and raising staff awareness of potential fraud risks and reporting procedures, via presentations at staff inductions and training events.
The Welsh Government’s revised Directions to NHS bodies on Counter Fraud Measures (2005) provide a framework to ensure that a consistent, professional and effective approach to countering fraud is adopted by each NHS body, NHS Counter Fraud Authority and CFS Wales.
During the five year period from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2019 the combined recoveries by CFS Wales and the LCFS network in NHS Wales amounted to £2,331,914 with 64 criminal sanctions, 177 civil recoveries and 147 disciplinary sanctions secured.
The combined recoveries by CFS Wales and the LCFS network, from the time they became operational in August 2001 to 31 March 2015, amounted to £6,583,821. During the same period they achieved 157 criminal sanctions, 300 civil recoveries and 309 disciplinary actions.
Contacting CFS Wales
If you wish to speak to a member of the CFS Wales team for advice or any enquiries, please feel free to contact us via Tel: 01495 334100 or email graham.dainty@nhscfa.gov.uk.
A Welsh language service is provided.
For more information you can also visit the CFS Wales page on the NWSSP website.