The very best of the public sector’s efforts to tackle the growing threat of fraud was on full display last night, with a strong and diverse set of winners at the Government Counter Fraud Awards.
With fraud estimated to cost the UK Government between £31bn and £49bn to fraud every year, as well as damaging peoples trust in government, these were efforts to be celebrated.
Projects and organisations from across the public sector came out in force, with more than 150 government counter fraud experts in attendance on the night to celebrate the Awards.
Congratulations to all winners of the Government Counter Fraud Awards 2019, with the full list now available at counterfraudawards.com, along with more information on the winners.
Outstanding Collaboration - Operation Holmes: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Rotherham Counter Fraud and Compliance Directorate, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Housing Benefits and South Yorkshire Police Rotherham Central Team
Excellence in Fraud Prevention - HMRC ‘Tackling Alcohol Fraud at Source’ campaign
Excellence in Raising Fraud Awareness - Lincolnshire County Council's Counter Fraud and Investigation Team’s (CFIT) fraud awareness for schools campaign
Government Counter Fraud Team of the Year - NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services Fraud Prevention Team
Outstanding Proactive Detection - HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) initiative to combat VAT Flat Rate Scheme fraud
Innovative Approach to Sanctions and Redress - Operation Octopod: HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS), Criminal Taxes Unit (CTU), part of the Proceeds of Crime Team, assisting London RART and the MPS Proactive Money Laundering Taskforce
Outstanding International Collaboration - International Charity Fraud Awareness Week: a campaign run by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fraud Advisory Panel with partners in Australia, New Zealand and the US
Outstanding Contribution to the Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) - Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) Counter Fraud and Investigation team
Rob Whiteman, CEO of CIPFA said:
“The innovation and collaboration taking place in government counter fraud on display last night illustrates the depth of talent in the sector. It was great to see so many experts exchanging ideas to tackle fraud, which costs the public billions every year. CIPFA is proud to support such a crucial event for celebrating counter fraud excellence, and sharing best practice across the profession.”
Steve Peck, Serious Fraud Office Case Controller, part of the National Crime Agency, said:
“It was a real pleasure to meet some of the people behind the exceptional work that's going on across the country to tackle fraud in every aspect. My congratulations not to those who picked up awards on the night, but to everyone who made it onto the shortlists for nomination, very well done.”
Detective Superintendent Alex Rothwell, City of London Police, said:
“It was an honour to attend the counter fraud profession awards last night and participate in a panel session at the conference during the day. The profession has done a fantastic job at galvanising the counter fraud community and created a palpable sense of togetherness, ambition and progress. This was evident in the quality of all the nominee submissions. City of London Police are committed to maintaining and indeed building upon our relationship and congratulate the award winners on their success.”
ENDS
For further information please contact the CIPFA press office on 07833 091303 or email liam.macandrew@cipfa.org
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Government Counter Fraud Awards are a joint initiative by the Cabinet Office, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Counter Fraud Centre, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and City of London Police (CoLP).
About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. CIPFA shows the way in public finance globally, standing up for sound public financial management and good governance around the world as the leading commentator on managing and accounting for public money.