While all NHS organisations are required to have accredited Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs) to carry out counter fraud work (NHS Requirement 9 under the Counter Fraud Functional Standard), some counter fraud service suppliers may also wish to utilise Local Counter Fraud Technicians (LCFTs) to support their LCFSs by taking on some of their routine tasks.
The LCFT is a counter fraud professional who is qualified to a different standard than that of the LCFS. The LCFT role provides an initial step into the world of counter fraud careers. LCFTs must have gained ACFTech certification before they are nominated. This qualification provides the LCFT with a comprehensive introduction to counter fraud work which they will need to perform the role.
LCFTs assist Local Counter Fraud Specialists (LCFSs) in delivering a counter fraud service to health bodies such as NHS trusts. While the LCFS undertakes the most important and complex of counter fraud activities, the LCFT can play a useful support role while also building up their own counter fraud experience. The table below shows the tasks that the LCFT can perform in comparison to the LCFS when working on criminal investigations.
| Criminal Investigation Tasks | LCFT | LCFS |
|---|---|---|
| Inputting information onto Fraud Case Management System | ||
| Planning and Conducting Interviews Under Caution* | ||
| Note taking | ||
| Planning and conducting a PACE search | ||
| Obtaining and Providing Witness Statements*♦ | ||
| Evidence gathering | ||
| Handling and recording evidence | ||
| Reporting Findings | ||
| Disclosure | ||
| Developing a counter fraud strategy | ||
| Developing an anti-fraud culture | ||
| Deterrence and prevention work | ||
| Recording Local Proactive Exercises (LPEs) | ||
| Recording System Weakness Reports (SWRs) |
* Unless for the purpose of training and development, and under the close supervision of a qualified investigator; or observing only.
♦ Unless for the purpose of demonstrating continuity of evidence within an MG11 statement.
LCFT nominations
All LCFTs must be nominated to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority by their employer and the health bodies they will work with. To nominate an LCFT, please send the following documents to nominations@nhscfa.gov.uk:
- a copy of the LCFT’s ACFTech accreditation certificate
- a completed nomination form signed as required
- a completed security information sheet (used to set security questions for password resets)
If possible, please send all three items at the same time.
When the LCFT nomination has been processed, the LCFT will be given access to the NHSCFA’s fraud case management system in respect of the health bodies that they have been nominated to. The LCFT will also gain access to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority's Extranet and Digital Fraud Manual.
If training is required, details of ACFTech course providers can be obtained from the Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board (CFPAB) which oversees the delivery of the course at a national level. For details, click on this link: Counter Fraud Professional Awards Board (CFPAB).
For more information and guidance about the nomination process, please read our Guidance on the nomination of Local Counter Fraud Specialists (updated September 2024).
If you have any queries, please email nominations@nhscfa.gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the qualification that the LCFT requires before they can be nominated?
The Local Counter Fraud Technician must hold an ACFTech accreditation certificate that is recognised by the Counter Fraud Professional Awards Board (CFPAB).
Can LCFTs conduct Interviews Under Caution?
Although LCFTs can observe Interviews Under Caution (IUCs), they cannot participate actively and cannot take statements. The exception to this would be when the LCFT is under the direct supervision of a qualified LCFS during the interview so that it can be used as a training and development opportunity. LCFTs can, of course, be present at interviews as an observer.
Can the LCFTs obtain witness statements or process MG documents?
The LCFT cannot obtain witness statements or process any MG documents pertaining to investigations unless they are under the close supervision of a qualified investigator, and only for the purposes of training and development.
Can the LCFT gather evidence and conduct witness interview?
The LCFT will not gather evidence and conduct witness interviews – that will be left to the LCFS. The LCFT’s role is limited to handling evidence and recording actions.
Can LCFTs be involved in disciplinary processes?
No. LCFTs must not have direct involvement in disciplinary processes.
How much access to NHSCFA systems are LCFTs allowed?
LCFTs will receive the same level of access to the fraud case management system as enjoyed by LCFSs, along with access to the extranet and the Digital Fraud Manual. They will not have access to benchmarking.
Do I need to submit a nomination form for each organisation the LCFT is nominated by?
Yes. A completed nomination form is required for each health body that the LCFT will be nominated to, as an accountable board member (usually the CFO) is required to sign the form. However, once the LCFT has been nominated for one organisation, any additional nominations for that person require only a new signed nomination form to be submitted – there is no need to resend the accreditation certificate or security information sheet.
I work at a different location to my manager and the Director of Finance: do I need to obtain actual signatures?
Yes. Actual signatures or digital signatures are required to verify that the nomination is authorised. Blank fields and typed signatures are not acceptable.