Counter fraud teams, financial specialists, national bodies, and local councils are being called on to put their best stories forward for the Government Counter Fraud Awards 2019.
Nominations are open now across eight categories, including ‘Outstanding Collaboration’, ‘Excellence in Fraud Prevention’, ‘Excellence in Raising Fraud Awareness’ and ‘Government Counter Fraud Team of the Year’.
New categories introduced include ‘Outstanding International Collaboration’, in recognition of the borderless nature of fraud, and ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP)’, which acknowledges the significant work being done to establish the profession.
Teams have been given until midnight on Friday 30 November to enter the Awards through counterfraudawards.com, and leaders should set aside some time in the next couple of weeks to enter their superstar stories.
Rob Whiteman, CEO of CIPFA, said: “Each year, the public sector loses billions of pounds to fraud and corruption. Despite stretched resources and a constantly shifting landscape, the UK’s counter fraud practitioners have proven incredibly resourceful and creative in their approach.
“The Government Counter Fraud Awards are a chance to celebrate the exceptional work being done to protect public funds in the UK. They are also a great opportunity to learn, connect and socialise with the best counter fraud professionals in the UK.”
Mark Cheeseman, Deputy Director of Public Sector Fraud at Cabinet Office, said: “Fraud and economic crime remain a significant challenge to the UK public sector, they damage public services and take resources away from where they are needed most.
“Around 10,000 public servants work to protect public services and fight economic crime. Their dedication and passion for this area can been seen in the work they do across the public sector to find and fight fraud. The Government Counter Fraud Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of their achievements, and for the counter fraud community to see some of the innovative, leading practice in this important area.'”
Chris Reed, National Crime Agency Fraud Threat Lead, said: “We have identified fraud against both the public and private sectors as major national crime threats, requiring a strong, collaborative response from law enforcement, government and industry.
“These awards are a valuable showcase of what can be achieved through public sector efforts to combat fraud in its many guises.”
Peter O'Doherty, Detective Chief Superintendent of the City of London Police, said: “Given the increasing threat from fraud, both in volume and complexity, it is more important than ever before, to recognise and reward the incredible talent across the public sector that has gone some way in combatting the threats and creating a safer environment for people and businesses.”
The Awards are hosted by the CIPFA Counter Fraud Centre, Cabinet Office, National Crime Agency and City of London Police. They are completely free to enter and the winners will be announced at a gala drinks reception at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 13 February 2019.
ENDS
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Notes to editors
About CIPFA
CIPFA is the professional body for people in public finance. It represents approximately 14,000 members who are public finance leaders and officials in the United Kingdom and overseas, specialising in high quality public financial management and governance for organisations in, and providing support to, government and public services. Its members work throughout the public sector, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other public and private sector bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s portfolio of qualifications is the foundation for a career in public finance. It also champions high performance in public services, translating its experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance.