Fraud is a very real risk but something that tends not to be discussed enough in charities despite figures showing it is on the rise.

According to Action Fraud there was a 44% increase in the value of frauds between January and November 2022 compared with the same period last year.

A BDO and anti-fraud charity Fraud Advisory Panel survey found that almost six in 10 charities believe the risk of fraud will increase in 2023 with misappropriation of funds by staff now posing the biggest threat.

Charities identified the economic downturn and the cost of living crisis as potential catalysts, while 40% of respondents felt that hybrid working had increased their fraud risks.