Counter Fraud Unit

Protecting public money. Supporting public services.

Leaders of public service organisations have a responsibility to embed effective standards for countering fraud and corruption in their organisations. This supports good governance and demonstrates effective financial stewardship and strong public financial management.

The changing context in which local government services are delivered, the increasing risk of fraud by motivated offenders, reduced local authority resources and associated changes to existing local control frameworks continue to increase the risk exposure to fraud.

At a time when every penny should be invested in delivering high-quality services to local people, tackling fraud head on should be a priority.

The Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP) remain cognisant of this growing risk which was a driver to establishing the Counter Fraud Unit as a dedicated specialist hub within the Partnership to provide a resource to our Partners to meet these challenges head on.

The Southern Internal Audit Partnership Counter Fraud Unit works with local authorities and other public sector organisations to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, corruption, bribery and other irregularities.

We are committed to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that money intended for public services is used for the benefit of communities.

Working collaboratively across our partnership and with external agencies such as the Police, external audit and NHS via the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) enables us to share intelligence, identify emerging risks and deliver a professional, resilient and effective counter fraud service.

The Counter Fraud team

Each member of our Counter Fraud team holds a relevant professional qualification, including the Certificate in Investigatory Practice (CCIP) and/or Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) accreditation. The team retain a wide knowledge and experience of leading investigations and presenting evidence in a court of law or internally to disciplinary panels.

The Counter Fraud Unit benefit from extensive experience in:

fraud prevention
fraud investigation
data analytics
financial irregularities
whistleblowing investigations
corruption and bribery investigations
intelligence development
fraud awareness and training

Our team works exclusively within the public sector and supports partner organisations in maintaining strong governance and effective control arrangements.

We also provide National Fraud Initiative support to many of our Internal Audit partner authorities.

Our services

Fraud prevention

Preventing fraud is the most effective way of protecting public money.

We work with partner organisations to:

assess fraud risks
strengthen internal controls
review vulnerable systems and processes
assess fraud frameworks and linked governance arrangements
promote a strong antifraud culture
deliver fraud awareness programmes

Our approach supports the principles set out in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Managing the Risk of Fraud and Corruption and the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally strategy.

Successes and outcomes

Every year the Counter Fraud Unit helps partner organisations:

prevent financial losses
recover public funds
improve governance arrangements
strengthen internal controls
raise fraud awareness
reduce fraud risks

Our work contributes directly to the protection of public resources and the delivery of effective services to local communities.

Data analytics and intelligence

Our evolving use of data analytics in the conduct of both proactive and reactive reviews has significantly enhanced investigative capabilities and outcomes.

Our specialist teams use data matching, analytical techniques and intelligence gathering to identify fraud risks and detect potential fraud at an early stage.

Services include:

National Fraud Initiative (NFI) support
data matching exercises
fraud risk profiling
intelligence development
emerging fraud trend analysis
targeted proactive exercises

These activities help partner organisations identify fraud risks before losses occur.

Training and Awareness

Creating an effective anti-fraud culture is fundamental to preventing fraud.

We provide:

staff awareness training (both through e-learning and face to face training)
manager workshops
member briefings
fraud newsletters
fraud alerts
awareness campaigns
bespoke fraud risk sessions

The Counter Fraud Unit regularly shares intelligence on new and emerging fraud threats affecting public sector organisations.

Report suspected fraud

If you suspect that fraud, bribery, corruption or misuse of public funds is taking place within one of our partner organisations, please tell us. Email [email protected].

Reports can be made by:

members of the public including service users
employees
elected members
contractors
suppliers
partner organisations

All information received will be treated seriously and assessed by the Counter Fraud Unit.

You do not have to provide your name, although contact details assist us if further information is required.

What happens after you report suspected fraud

Your report is received by the Counter Fraud Unit.
Information is assessed.
Further enquiries may be undertaken.
A formal investigation may be initiated where appropriate.
Outcomes may include recovery, disciplinary action, prosecution or improvement recommendations.

Due to confidentiality requirements, we may not be able to provide updates regarding individual investigations.

Contact us

General Counter Fraud Enquiries

Email: [email protected]

Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP)

Hosted by Hampshire County Council.

Further information

For further information regarding SIAP services, partnership opportunities and counter fraud support, please email the Counter Fraud Unit at [email protected].