Recommendation 13

However, PSFA recognised that there is further work to be done on developing the counter-fraud profession. There are over 13,000 members of the counter-fraud function across government, around 84% of whom work for DWP or HMRC. Less than 45% of counter-fraud practitioners are members of the GCFP.38 HM Treasury told us that the aim is for 3,000 more people to be members of the GCFP in the next three years.39 PSFA explained that historically counter-fraud practitioners were not always able to demonstrate a wider understanding of the business context in which they operated. There is also evidence that many departments lack senior counter-fraud professionals with influence in their organisations.40 Cabinet Office highlighted the fact that the counter-fraud function is a relatively young function compared to more established functions, such as, HR, finance and commercial. The counter-fraud discipline needs time to reinforce itself as a function, a profession, and “a key way of doing business in government”.41