Do
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Do note your concerns as soon as possible
Record details such as the nature of your concerns, names, dates, times, details of conversations and potential witnesses. Time, date and sign your notes.
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Do report your concerns in one of the following ways:
Report online:
Phone our Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line:
If you are an NHS employee or contractor, you can contact your LCFS directly:
NHS trust has a Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) who is able to advise and listen to your concerns. Contact your LCFS as soon as possible when you suspect a fraud or attempted fraud.
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Do provide as much information as possible
All reports are assessed for content and accuracy. It is important that you provide as much information as possible (date, time, witnesses , as this will give us the best start in looking into the matter and may provide valuable intelligence to help improve our understanding of NHS fraud.
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Do know that confidentiality will be respected
There are a number of ways to report, including reporting anonymously, if you chose to report in this way. You may also report as a Whistleblower (more information below).
Give as much information as you can remember if you chose to report anonymously as we will not be able to contact you.
Don't
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Do not confront the suspect or convey concerns to anyone other than those authorised
Never attempt to confront or question a suspect yourself. This could either alert the fraudster or cause an innocent person being unjustly accused.
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Do not discuss your suspicions or concerns with other people
If you are unsure about what to do if you suspect a fraud, discuss your suspicions with your LCFS.
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Do not start your own investigation or gather evidence yourself
Never attempt to gather evidence yourself. Contact your LCFS as soon as possible or call us on our reporting line if you suspect a fraud even if you are not sure about everything, or do not know all the fact.
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Don’t do nothing!
Depending on the nature and severity of the allegation, any delay in reporting may lead to further financial or reputational loss.
Social Media
Social media is typically used for social interaction and access to news, information and decision making and has rapidly become part of daily activity. It is a valuable communication tool locally and worldwide, as well as to share, create, and spread information. It is therefore important to bear in mind what you should and should not do when using social media in relation to reporting an allegation of fraud to the NHSCFA.
Here are certain things you SHOULD NOT do when using social media in relation to reporting an allegation:
Don't
- DO NOT tag the NHSCFA in a LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter post to report an allegation. This does not constitute making a report. These are not the appropriate platforms to report an allegation and are not monitored 24/7.
- DO NOT share images of your report or any evidence online on social media
- DO NOT share details of the allegation, including names on social media
Do
- Report online via the reporting lines only, as above.
- Contact only the named person you have been provided contact details for to discuss your concerns, allegations or case, for example the LCFS, NHSCFA Investigator.
- It is important to keep the above in mind, as sharing any information online may damage the investigation and weaken the case.
NHS Whistleblowing
If you are an NHS staff and wish to report any suspected fraud to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, you may want to consider whether you are covered to report under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA).
PIDA provides a statutory framework for protecting workers from harm if they blow the whistle on their employer. NHS Counter Fraud Authority is a "prescribed person" under this act.
Providing information under PIDA is known as 'whistle-blowing'.
Further information: