It is a requirement that all those engaged in counter fraud investigations within the NHS have achieved the status of Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS). This university-accredited professional qualification has been developed by specialist practitioners in the counter fraud sector to reflect the relevant operational needs, and provides a common standard of core skills and levels of knowledge.
The course provided by the NHS Counter Fraud Service's training unit has recently been updated to reflect best practice and the most recent legislation within the counter fraud discipline. and, as such, is recognised as being one of the most comprehensive foundation-level training syllabus available.
The NHS Counter Fraud Service ACFS foundation-level course consists of four modules, to be completed in order. They cover the following areas of counter fraud work:
- creating an anti-fraud culture
- deterrence
- prevention
- detection
- investigation
- sanctions
- redress.
Using a unique and highly effective learning method, delegates are taken through a complete fraud investigation as the four week-long modules progress, using a realistic case scenario to explore the principles, skills, procedures, legislation and techniques required of an effective counter fraud specialist.
It is a pass/fail course that uses a variety of assessments to cover different learning styles, with delegates given an opportunity to discuss the progress of the case file with a trainer at the end of each week. The pass mark for each assessment is 70%. The course is currently worth 45 level-one higher education credits, although evaluation is underway to consider raising this to 60 credits (equating to 50% of a Certificate of Higher Education).
On successful completion of all four modules and assessments, candidates will be recognised by the award of a professional qualification: Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS). This is the standard qualification required to operate as a counter fraud specialist within NHS health bodies.