The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is a UK-wide, counter-fraud exercise led by Audit Scotland.
It takes place every two years and helps public bodies detect and prevent fraud by comparing data held across a range of organisations, including local authorities.
Data matching enables potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified and flagged for further investigation.
It is a valuable took in protecting public funds. During the last NFI exercise, outcomes identified within East Dunbartonshire were valued at £1.3 million.
Reporting Fraud
While the NFI plays a vital role in the Council's commitment to protecting public funds and maintaining the highest standards of governance, our most effective defence against fraud remains our employees.
If you suspect fraud, corruption or financial irregularity, please report your concerns using one of the following methods:
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Employees can also report concerns via the Whistleblowing webpage.
Early reporting helps ensure that concerns can be assessed, investigated promptly and further loss prevented.
Support from the Corporate Fraud Team
Many employees are familiar with the Corporate Fraud Team's investigative role, but the team also provides advice and guidance to help services prevent fraud before it occurs.
Whether you are introducing a new process, reviewing existing controls, considering a new system, or simply looking for advice on reducing fraud risk, the Corporate Fraud Team can provide practical support and expertise.
Fraud prevention is everyone's responsibility, and seeking advice at an early stage can help strengthen controls, protect resources and reduce organisational risk.
If you require assistance, advice or would like to discuss any concerns, please contact the team at: fraud@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Further information about the National Fraud Initiative, including guidance issued by Audit Scotland and the Code of Data Matching Practice, is available within the Fraud section.
Public money. Public trust. Everyone's responsibility. Together, we can prevent fraud, protect vital services and ensure resources are available for those who need them most.
More on the National Fraud Initiative
The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is a UK-wide, counter-fraud data matching exercise led by Audit Scotland and overseen by the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) on behalf of the UK Government.
Across the UK, more than 1,000 organisations participated, including 127 public bodies in Scotland.
Under the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000, Audit Scotland requires councils and other participating bodies to provide specified datasets for matching purposes.
During the last NFI exercise, across Scotland and the UK, outcomes totalled almost £22 million and nearly £3 billion respectively.
Data matching enables potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is identified, it highlights an inconsistency that requires further examination. In many cases, matches can arise through error, outdated information or other legitimate circumstances. The exercise also helps participating organisations ensure that records remain accurate and up to date.
Details of how employees' personal data is used as part of this process can be found within the Council's Employee Privacy Notice.
Thank you,
Jamie Robertson
Chief Finance Officer
