The government counter fraud profession (GCFP) is the result of two years’ work involving over 100 organisations and will begin work on 9 October. It is intended to create a new community of counter fraud specialists across government, with benefits for both individuals and organisations.

The GCFP will provide counter fraud specialists across government organisations with a common framework of professional standards and competencies. It will also introduce a professional skills platform (PSP), a web-based tool through which members can register their knowledge, skills, and experience, and self-assess against a range of counter fraud roles.

By having common standards, organisations will be able to identify what skills they do, and do not, have and get those skills to the right areas. They will also be provided with the ability to improve access to counter fraud capability and help deliver better quality products, whether fraud investigations, risk assessments or data analytics.
Working with a common framework of standards, organisations will also be able to share learning programmes and develop new initiatives together, including a greater focus on preventing and understanding fraud.

Chloe Smith, minister for the constitution, said: ‘The launch of the GCFP will make the UK a global leader in the professionalisation of counter fraud and will give our specialist staff an excellent and well-deserved opportunity for career progression within the discipline.
‘In recognition of our global lead in this field, our international partners have already asked us to lead an international working group in this area. The GCFP will continue to be flexible, evolving in line with the needs of its members, and the changing threat posed by fraud and economic crime.’
Counter-Fraud Standards and Profession website is here

Report by Pat Sweet