Agenda item

The Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Assurance submitted a report providing an account of the work of the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team for the period 1^st April to 31^st August 2021.

Specific reference was made to the following:

·         The continued work on Covid 19 counter fraud work and payments

·         The impact of the current vacancy within the Team and particularly as this had impacted on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) work

·         The continuing recovery work being undertaken in response to NFI investigations

·         Reactive Fraud and Preventative work

·         The involvement with the National Anti-Fraud Network and the benefits this gave

·         The involvement of the Principal Auditor with the Yorkshire and Humberside ‘fighting fraud and Corruption Locally’ National Operation Group which aimed to identify new and emerging fraud risks and recognise and share examples of good practice

·         The arrangements for the Fraud Awareness Week planned for the 15^th – 19^th November, 2021 were outlined.  It was noted that a meeting of the Committee was scheduled to take place that week and, therefore, a ‘real time’ update could be provided of activities being undertaken.  Detailed information of the plans for the week would be provided at the Awareness Session planned for the 13^th October, 2021

In response to questioning about reactive work it was noted that the referral to the South Yorkshire Police was still under investigation.  In addition, one employee had received a final written warning as part of another investigation.

RESOLVED:

(i)            That the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team progress report for 1^st April to 31^st August, 2021 be noted; and

(ii)          That the Committee continue to receive regular progress reports on the work undertaken by the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team.