Fraud is an act of deception that it intended to make a financial gain or to cause loss to another party. Bribery is generally defined as the giving or receiving of a financial or other advantage in exchange for improperly performing a relevant function or activity. The maximum penalty for fraud and bribery is 10 years imprisonment, with an unlimited fine.
NHS Digital is a publicly funded organisation and is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct and behaviour, which includes having robust controls in place to prevent fraud, bribery and corruption. NHS Digital also expects its suppliers and those working on its behalf to adhere to these standards and may seek to terminate contracts with any suppliers found by a court of law to have been guilty of corruption.
NHS Digital has a zero tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption and will seek the highest levels of redress against those who commit fraud. Any suspicions that fraud, bribery or corruption might be taking place should be reported to the NHS Digital Counter Fraud team. Further details on how to raise a concern can be found in the Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy.
Under no circumstances is the giving, offering, receiving or soliciting of a bribe acceptable. If staff are offered hospitality or gifts or are considering offering any to another person, they should refer to the Hospitality and the Receipt of Gifts Policy for details of the circumstances in which may be acceptable; further advice can be sought from Corporate Services if required. Staff are reminded that all hospitality and gifts received, offered or declined should be declared using the form accessible from the policy or eStore.
The success of the organisation’s counter fraud, bribery and corruption measures depends on all employees and those acting for the organisation playing their part in helping to prevent, detect and deter fraud, bribery and corruption.