Trust Board Statement - Counter fraud and bribery

Trust Board Statement: Counter fraud and bribery

Fraud and bribery in the NHS costs the taxpayer millions of pounds every year. We are accountable to the public for the provision of services in an open and honest manner and any failure to do so brings the service into disrepute and threatens the respect afforded to the whole organisation.

The Trust is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity and every employee and individual acting on the Trust’s behalf is responsible for maintaining the organisation’s reputation and for conducting Trust business honesty and professionally. 

Fraud

The Trust will take all necessary steps to counter fraud, through compliance with the NHS Counter Fraud Authority Standards for Providers: Fraud, Bribery and Corruption. A zero- tolerance approach is taken to fraud and all allegations will be thoroughly investigated by the Trust’s Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS). The Trust will ensure appropriate action is taken against wrong-doers, as well as undertaking steps to recover any assets lost, as a result of fraud. 

Bribery

Transparent, fair conduct helps to foster deeper relationships of trust between the Trust and our partners. The Trust does not tolerate any form of bribery, whether direct or indirect, by, or of, its staff, agents or consultants, or any persons or entities acting for it or on its behalf. The Board and senior management are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems throughout the Trust to prevent, monitor and eliminate bribery, in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010.

A bribe is a financial advantage or other reward that is offered to, given to, or received by an individual or company (whether directly or indirectly) to induce or influence that individual or company to perform public or corporate functions or duties improperly. Employees and others acting for or on behalf of the Trust are strictly prohibited from making, soliciting or receiving any bribes or unauthorised payments. 

The success of the Trust’s anti-fraud and bribery measures depends on all employees, those acting for the organisation, and our patients, playing their part in helping to detect and eradicate these offences. Therefore, the Trust encourages anyone who suspects a fraud or bribery offence to report their concerns as soon as possible via the contacts detailed below. No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment when reporting reasonably held suspicions.

Katie Osmond
Chief finance officer

Contact Information

Local Counter Fraud Specialist: Ollie Jones
Mobile: 07972 004182
Email: Ollie.Jones@rsmuk.com

NHS Counter Fraud Authority fraud and corruption reporting line and website
Tel: 0800 028 4060