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 behavior, 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 & 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.

Carl Vincent
Chief Financial Officer

Staff members who suspect fraud, bribery or corruption may be taking place should report it to either of the following:

NHS Digital’s Fraud Manager

Email: nhsd.fraudteam@nhs.net

Telephone: 0113 397 4321 or 07920 232 745

Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line, Crimestoppers

Telephone: 0800 028 40 60

This is a dedicated freephone number, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can report anonymously if you wish.

Definition

Whistleblowing is when an employee notifies their employer, professional regulator, customers, the police or the media about a dangerous or illegal activity in their workplace.

Examples of such activities include: fraud, bribery or corruption, unlawful conduct, financial malpractice, breaches of codes of conduct, disregard for health and safety rules, dangers to the public or the environment or any other similar matter. 

Advice

Anyone concerned about a wrongdoing that threatens the public interest and is unsure of whether they want to raise the matter through official channels can seek free, independent and confidential legal advice from the charity Protect.

Email: whistle@protect-advice.org.uk

Telephone: 020 3117 2520