Guidance

Counter fraud, bribery, and corruption response plan

Updated 12 August 2026

Applies to England

Overview

This guidance explains how the Department for Education (DfE) responds to suspected or confirmed cases of fraud, bribery, and corruption.

DfE is committed to protecting public money and ensuring it is used for its intended purpose.

For the purpose of this guidance, ‘fraud’ includes theft, bribery, and corruption.

Who this guidance is for

This guidance applies to organisations and individuals who:

• receive DfE funding
• are involved in delivering DfE funded programmes

DfE expects anyone involved in its funding arrangements to help prevent, detect and report fraud.

Reporting fraud

You can report suspected fraud, bribery, or corruption through DfE’s reporting channels.

DfE encourages anyone with concerns to come forward.

How DfE responds to fraud

Receiving and assessing concerns

Fraud concerns may come from a range of sources including:

• members of the public
• audit and assurance activity
• internal risk assessment and analysis
• other organisations

DfE assesses each concern to determine:

• whether it falls within DfE’s responsibilities
• how serious and credible it is
• the potential impact on public funds or services

Not all concerns lead to a formal investigation. In some cases, DfE may:

• refer the concern to another organisation
• carry out further checks
• seek additional assurance

Taking action

Where appropriate and proportionate, DfE will initiate a counter fraud investigation. Investigations will pursue lines of enquiry to address concerns in accordance with the relevant legislation and standards. 

Throughout the investigation process, DfE will take steps to:

• disrupt fraud
• prevent further loss of public money
• secure relevant information
• manage stakeholder communications

Outcome of investigations

Following an investigation, DfE will:

• record its findings
• identify any action that needs to be taken
• publish information about fraud cases, including case studies and investigation outcomes to:
  • improve transparency
  • raise awareness
  • share preventative measures organisations can take
  • deter fraud

DfE may also share outcomes with relevant organisations.

Enforcement and recovery

Enforcement action

Where fraud is identified, DfE will take proportionate action, which may include:

• referring the case to law enforcement or regulators
• applying sanctions or restrictions
• taking steps to address non-compliance and reduce the risk of reoccurrence

Recovering public money

DfE will seek to recover public money, including where:

• incorrect or misleading information has been provided
• funding rules have not been followed
• fraud or error have been identified

DfE applies recovery measures on a fair and proportionate basis.

Working with other organisations

DfE works with other government departments, regulators and law enforcement agencies to tackle fraud and protect public money.

This may include:

• sharing information where it is appropriate to do so
• supporting wider efforts to deter and detect fraud

Lessons learned and continuous improvement

DfE uses insights from fraud cases to strengthen its approach to prevention and detection. This includes:

• improving controls, systems and processes
• addressing identified risks or weaknesses
• enhancing guidance and awareness

This helps reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in future.

Handling information

DfE handles information in line with data protection law.

Sensitive information is kept secure and only shared where appropriate.

General enquiries

For general enquiries about DfE’s approach to countering fraud, email counter.fraud@education.gov.uk.