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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training the staff of the Counter Fraud and Security Management Service who are directly involved in investigation receive; and what plans he has to change their training. [216138] Ms Rosie Winterton: The national health service counter fraud and security management service (CFSMS) provides training for all staff who counter fraud and corruption within the NHS. It is mandatory for all NHS counter fraud specialists to successfully complete a counter fraud foundation level course. This high quality professional training has been accredited by the universities of Portsmouth, East London and Wolverhampton and is worth 40 higher education credits. Successful completion of the foundation level leads to the nationally recognised professional qualification of accredited counter fraud specialist (ACFS). The NHS is one of a number of organisations where staff are trained to this standard. At the end of 2004, there were 8,274 qualified ACFSs from hundreds of organisations in both the public and private sectors including six Government Departments, such as the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Government agencies such as the Audit Commission, several police forces, banks, investment companies and over 300 local authorities. Further training includes an intermediate level course, which focuses on prevention and deterrence of fraud. Additionally, the CFSMS provides refresher training on issues such as interviewing skills and regularly updates training where there are changes in law or procedures that have an impact on work to counter fraud. Throughout the year, the CFSMS ensures ongoing support and training for staff through quarterly forums and an annual conference. There is also assistance through a training centre helpline and a regional network. Because the training attracts higher education credits, it can lead on to further academic study and the CFSMS supports staff who want to continue to develop and work towards a BSc. (Hons) in counter fraud and criminal justice studies. At present there are no plans to change the training. It is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is relevant and meets the requirements of staff.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

431 c1903W;431 c1896-7W; 216138

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Corruption Fraud NHS Staff Training Reform Counter Fraud and Security Management Service

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk