Fraud is an act of deception that is intended to make a financial gain or to cause a 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 ICB employs a specialist counter-fraud service to provide a comprehensive programme against fraud, bribery and corruption, which is overseen by the Chief Finance Officer and the Audit Committee.

NHS Kent and Medway ICB has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes, and is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct and behaviour, as well as having robust controls in place to prevent these. As well as staff, the ICB also expects its suppliers and contractors to adhere to the same high standards.

Our dedicated policies and procedures set out our expectations and guidance for staff, contractors and anyone else working with or for the organisation with regards to preventing fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering and other economic crimes, and raising concerns.

We ask all who have dealings with NHS Kent and Medway ICB, as employees, agency staff, trading partners (contractors/suppliers), stakeholders and patients, to help us in our fight against fraud, bribery and corruption, and to contact us immediately if any concerns arise. No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting reasonably held suspicions. The success of the ICB's anti-fraud, bribery and corruption measures depends on everyone playing their part.

NHS Kent and Medway ICB contracts TIAA Ltd to provide its counter fraud service and you can contact our Counter Fraud Specialist, Sophie Bird in confidence:

·       by e-mail sophie.bird@tiaa.co.uk or sophie.bird6@nhs.net

·       or by phone on 07966 069237

All genuine suspicions of fraud, bribery, corruption, money laundering or other economic crimes can also be reported in confidence to the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on freephone 0800 028 40 60 or report fraud via the NHS Counter Fraud Authority.

 Adam Doyle

Chief Executive