CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (cacfs) Building the counter fraud profession CIPFA COUNTER FRAUD CENTRE
It will certainly help us to safeguard our assets against the risk of fraud. And it will make us more focused when we investigate. London Borough of Bexley 2 CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS)
about the course Protecting the public purse through the prevention, detection and recovery of fraud is a constant and ever growing challenge. To help meet this challenge and as part of our commitment to building a counter fraud profession, we offer the CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (CACFS) qualification. The core syllabus is set by the Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board in conjunction with the University of Portsmouth s Centre for Counter Fraud Studies. The programme focuses on: economic crime the collection and presentation of counter fraud intelligence and evidence, to a criminal law standard creating an anti-fraud culture. As well as fraud, it includes detailed examination of bribery, corruption and money laundering offences and case studies drawn from across the public services. The CACFS will take you through the investigation process step by step, using real-time exercises and featuring video interviews with leading experts in the counter fraud profession. It will give you the essential skills, knowledge and confidence to manage investigations and to create an anti-fraud culture within your organisation. It is ideal if you want to strengthen your team s skills, gain a professional qualification or build a new career in combatting fraud. Who should attend? The qualification is specifically designed for practitioners in the public services whose work roles are concerned with counter fraud and anti-corruption activities, including investigators, investigator managers and supervisors and internal audit staff. Structure and duration The qualification consists of four modules. The first two modules are taught over four consecutive days, while the third and fourth modules are five days. In total, there are 18 days training taught over a minimum of six months. Methods of assessment You will be assessed via a combination of exams and written assignments, role play exercises observed by your trainer, group and individual exercises and a reflective diary. You will also be given a set of pre-course materials, which you will need to read in advance of the course starting. Accreditation When you have successfully completed the qualification, you will be accredited by CIPFA and by the University of Portsmouth s Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board. You will also be awarded the title of Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist and can become a CIPFA Affiliate member. Entry requirements There are no entry requirements. How to book To find the open CACFS courses taking place around the UK, visit cipfa.org/training. In-house delivery The CACFS programme can also be delivered in-house, at your location, saving you valuable time and money. This is especially cost-effective for organisations interested in training a number of individuals or whole teams. For more information about running the programme in-house, contact us at: counterfraudcentre@cipfa.org CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS) 3
course outline Module 1 Principles of legislation for the Counter Fraud Specialist Investigator This module will provide you with a good working knowledge of the law as it applies to fraud in the UK and is delivered in the context of investigations. You will learn about: the two different legal systems (criminal and civil) that deal with fraud and the role of the courts system the primary fraud offences and points to prove the essential rules of evidence that enable these primary offences to be proved in a court of law or other trier of fact the vital components of fraud, how it is committed and how it can be proved to the highest evidential standards confidently assessing and classifying reports of fraud planning the investigative process in an evidentially sound manner. Module 2 Building the anti-fraud culture for the Counter Fraud Specialist This module will provide you with the knowledge to develop, build and maintain the bed rock of any organisational counter fraud strategy: an anti-fraud culture. You will learn about: what comprises an anti-fraud culture and how to put in place an organisational framework to prevent, detect and deter fraud benchmarking and assessing the anti-fraud culture in your own organisation against good practice elsewhere the UK s primary whistleblowing legislation the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 risk management as a component of an antifraud culture the National Intelligence Model (NIM) and how this can be used to inform decision making when developing an anti-fraud strategy legislation relevant to the effective application of NIM. 4 CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS)
Module 3 Investigation process and case management This module will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills to confidently plan and execute fraud investigations in a proportionate and evidentially sound manner. You will learn about: the investigation life-cycle as well as good practice advice on case management, including investigative direction, decision making and risk assessment assessing initial reports of fraud and how to begin the evidence gathering process by using tried and tested investigative methodologies identifying and handling different types of evidence, including digital evidence, and how to collate exhibits in a legally compliant way search and seizure procedures and appropriate briefing and communication models for the conducting of such exercises. Module 4 Investigative interviewing and courtroom skills This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills to conduct successful witness and suspect interviews, to prepare a prosecution case file in accordance with national standards and to confidently give evidence in court. You will learn about: the law and codes of practice relating to the interviewing of suspected fraudsters, formal cautioning and the difference between interviews under detention and those of a voluntary nature the need for pre-interview disclosure and the role of adversarial legal advisers conducting an investigative interview utilising the widely recognised PEACE model approach the psychology of interviewing and appropriate questioning styles, as well as the differences between suspect and witness interviews preparing a case file for court in line with nationally recognised MG standards confidently giving evidence in court, including under cross-examination. CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS) 5
your counter fraud career Further study The CACFS is a professional qualification that can lead to further study and career development opportunities. It is worth 60 Level 4 credits* at a Higher Education Institution, which would count as advanced learning and attract exemptions from the courses offered by the University of Portsmouth s Centre for Counter Fraud Studies. Career development On completion of the CACFS, you will be included on the Professional Register of Counter Fraud Specialists held by the University of Portsmouth s Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board. To maintain your professional status, you will need to complete 90 hours of CPD training over three years. For more information, visit: www.port.ac.uk/centre-for-counter-fraud-studies For details of our one day training courses, visit: www.cipfa.org/onedaytraining Complete over 90 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) over three years to maintain your status You ll be a Graduate Counter Fraud Specialist Complete full Bsc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies course You ll be a Professional Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist You ll be a Certified Counter Fraud Specialist Complete first year Bsc (Hons) Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies (you are exempt from three units in first year) You ll be automatically included on the Professional Register of Counter Fraud Specialists You ll be a Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist and CIPFA Affiliate member CIPFA Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (60 Level 4 credits*) Key: Qualifications Awards CFPAB Register *Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, an NVQ Level 4 or a BTEC Level 4. In an undergraduate degree there are 120 credits in a level, so 60 credits is the equivalent to half of the first year. 6 CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS)
Recruitment support CIPFA-Penna, the leading public sector recruitment and career service, offers great permanent and interim job opportunities in a range of roles, including counter fraud. On successful completion of your CIPFA qualification, you are invited to arrange a confidential one hour career consultation with Gill Kelly, CIPFA-Penna s Associate Director. If you are looking for a new role, you are also welcome to submit your CV. Why train with CIPFA? CIPFA has a long history of delivering outstanding training to finance professionals and public service leaders in the UK and across the world. As the only professional accountancy body exclusively for people in public finance, we understand the market challenges and are committed to providing the best training and development tools to support practitioners at all levels of public service, throughout their careers. To book your career consultation or to submit your CV, please contact: gill.kelly@penna.com CIPFA accredited counter fraud specialist (CACFS) 7
Public services fraud costs the taxpayer an estimated 21 billion a year. Resources are stretched and organisations like the National Fraud Authority and the Audit Commission have closed. With fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated, al public services organisations are more vulnerable than ever to criminal activity. The CIPFA Counter Fraud Centre was launched in 2014 to lead and coordinate the fight against fraud and corruption across local and central government, the health, education and charity sectors. Headed up by Rachael Tiffen, former Deputy Director of the National Fraud Authority, we are committed to helping you: prevent, detect and recover financial loss protect your organisation s reputation develop your team s counter fraud skills For more information, contact us at: counterfraudcentre@cipfa.org Registered office: 77 Mansell Street, London E1 8AN T: +44 (0)20 7543 5600 F: +44 (0)20 7543 5700 www.cipfa.org The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Registered with the Charity Commissioners of England and Wales No 231060 08/2015