Counter Fraud Profession Strategy unveiled in bid to “upskill” public sector professionals

The Public Sector Fraud Authority has announced the launch of the Counter Fraud Profession Strategy, which includes an “increased focus” on skills in fraud prevention and identification, and the training of 250 fraud risk experts by the end of 2023.

The new strategy, announced yesterday (2 March) has been developed and will be delivered in collaboration with government, law enforcement and industry counter fraud and learning experts.

It is estimated the cost of fraud and error against the public sector is at least £33 billion per year. The Government has said that although often hidden, fraud is the most “pervasive crime in the UK and must be rooted out”.

The Counter Fraud Profession Strategy outlines how the new Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) will increase the skills, standards and capability of staff within government and beyond working on protecting public services from fraud.

The government has said it is also upskilling those that lead public sector counter fraud work and “ensuring the 7,000 counter fraud professionals working across the public sector continue to develop their knowledge and skills”. This will include 250 fraud risk experts trained by the end of 2023.

A key focus of the new strategy is Apprenticeships, with the PSFA launching in 2024 a new Apprenticeship in Counter Fraud. This will run alongside the existing Fraud Investigation Apprenticeship, the Government has said.

Cabinet Office Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe said: “The challenge we face from fraud is stark. That is why I am proud to announce the launch of the updated Government Counter Fraud Profession Strategy, which will continue to enhance the capability and expertise of those fighting hard to protect taxpayers’ money.”

Mark Cheeseman, Interim CEO of the PSFA and Head of the Government Counter Fraud Profession said: “Fraudsters are a committed, capable and evolving adversary and the public sector is just as affected by this hidden crime as other sectors.

“The launch of the new Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) strategy sets out how the government is investing in building and modernising its fraud fighting capability.”

Lottie Winson