FRAUD AWARENESS JULIA DILLON Local Counter Fraud Specialist

FRAUD AWARENESS JULIA DILLON – Local Counter Fraud Specialist Tel 01905 760069 julia. dillon@hacw. nhs. uk Fraud reporting line 0800 028 4060

ROLE OF LCFS • EVERY NHS TRUST REQUIRED TO HAVE LCFS SINCE 1999 • WORKS TO SECRETARY OF STATE DIRECTIONS • ACCOUNTABLE TO DIRECTOR OF FINANCE • ALSO REPORTS TO NHS PROTECT • FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST FRAUD

SEVEN GENERIC AREAS • CREATE ANTI FRAUD CULTURE • DETERRANCE • PREVENTION • DETECTION • INVESTIGATION • SANCTIONS • REDRESS

FRAUD IS DEFINED AS. . . . • The intentional distortion of financial statements or other records by persons internal or external to the Trust which is carried out to conceal the misappropriation of assets or otherwise, for gain. • It is a deliberate act by an individual or a group of individuals. It is therefore always intentional and dishonest. • Corruption – the offering, giving, soliciting or acceptance of an inducement or reward which may influence the action of any person

TYPES OF FRAUD IN THE NHS • Working whilst sick • Not working contracted hours • False qualifications/references • False or excessive expense claims • False invoices submitted • Unfair awarding of contracts • Contractor patient service fraud • Patients falsely claiming exemption from charges

FRAUD PREVENTION IS A MATTER FOR US ALL • Be aware – honesty cannot be taken on trust • Create good internal control systems and review them regularly • Fraud proof precesses, systems, policies and contracts • Ask questions • Perform checks

If you suspect a fraud. . • Discreetly make a note of your concerns • If possible photocopy documents • Inform the LCFS, Director of Finance or phone fraud reporting line • DO NOT investigate yourself No one will be penalised for reporting suspected fraud where there is reasonable suspicion

Fraudulent behaviour could include • Excessive alteration of manual records under the guise of authorised corrections. • Refusing access to records without reasonable grounds • Reluctance to take leave • Lifestyle beyond apparent means • Gambling in any form, beyond the ability to stand the loss

RELEVANT TRUST DOCUMENTS • Fraud & Corruption Response policy • Whistleblowing policy (Public Interest Disclosure) • Code of Conduct • Standards of Business Conduct • Standing Financial Instructions/Scheme of Delegation

BRIBERY ACT 2011 Four offences • Offering, promising or receiving a bribe • Requesting, agreeing to receive or accepting a bribe • Bribing a foreign public official • A corporate offence of failing to prevent bribery What do staff need to do to comply with the Act? • Declare gifts and hospitality annually • Declare interests