About us
The Public Sector Fraud Authority works with departments and public bodies to understand and reduce the impact of fraud.
In the Spring Statement of March 2022, the Chancellor announced the creation of a Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) bringing together experts from across sectors in an integrated way with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. We put a greater focus on performance and outcomes, as well as build deeper and broader expert-led services to support government departments and public bodies to reduce the impact of fraud. It will also become the centre of the Counter Fraud Function (CFF).
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
- Modernise the fraud and error response by widening access, and use of, leading practices, tools and technology - better protecting taxpayers money.
- Build expert led services that collaborate with experts in Departments and Public Bodies to better fight fraud and error through risk, prevention, data and enforcement techniques
- Develop capability in the public sector to find, prevent and respond to fraud and error - both organisationally and individually
- Put performance at the heart of the public sector fraud conversation - focusing on investments and outcomes
- We will aim to be seen as a beacon of fraud and error expertise and a destination for those wanting to make a difference in fighting public sector fraud.
Our Values
Our work is underpinned by five principle values.
Expertise
We will ensure that our expertise drives decision making, building our reputation as authoritative and credible experts in our field.
Innovation
We will continue to develop to meet the ever evolving fraud threat through creativity and agility.
Collaboration
We will work in close alliance with partners and across all business areas to achieve our collective goals and maximise our strengths.
Integrity
We are professional, committed, honest and transparent. Integrity underpins every aspect of our work.
Respect
We respect each other and celebrate diversity, valuing different ways of working to bring inclusion to the heart of our working practices.
Our functions and support services
Our functions and services will continue to be built over the next two years.
PSFA Functions
Performance, Assurance and Evidence
We will increase understanding of the extent of fraud and error loss and oversee the performance of public bodies. We will review public bodies’ compliance against the Functional Standard. We will continue to build and maintain the evidence base for fraud and error in central government by collating data on fraud loss and undertaking research.
Practices, Standards and Capability
We will bring expertise together from across the government supported by other sectors to define and promote good practice, set professional standards and develop capability through the governments Counter Fraud Profession. This will provide the structure to recognise the knowledge, skills and experience of counter fraud professionals across the public sector.
Policy
We will provide expert advice and information to Ministers, government departments and public bodies. We will develop cross government policy to modernise the counter fraud response and bring together international partners to share leading practices through the International Public Sector Fraud Forum.
PSFA Support Services
Risk, Threat and Prevention
We will create a service to support government departments and public bodies in understanding the fraud risks and threats they face.
We will also help them design fraud controls and countermeasures, and test their effectiveness. This is an integral part of a modern fraud prevention approach.
Data and Intelligence
We will build a new National Counter Fraud Data Analytics Service (NCFDAS) that will provide best-in-class tools and techniques to support public bodies to find and prevent fraud. This will build on the long standing National Fraud Initiative (NFI) and the centre of the Counter Fraud Function’s data sharing pilots programme. We will facilitate public bodies’ access to data and other advanced and innovative counter-fraud technologies, making best use of both the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Digital Economy Act 2017. We will enhance the use of intelligence across the public sector to find and reduce fraud.
Enforcement
We will explore the creation of a civil and criminal enforcement unit to take action on cases of fraud in the public sector in support of government departments and public bodies.
Core Services
The operation of the PSFA will be underpinned by core services including, human resources, commercial and finance.