--- title: How Apprenticeships can Help Combat Fraud in Local Government description: Discover how apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in combating fraud in local government. Learn about the new Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship and how it equips professionals with the skills needed to tackle financial crime. image: https://blog.govnet.co.uk/hubfs/Copy%20of%20MJIT%20images%20(2).png --- [![GovNet Logo_Fraud Full Colour](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/GovNet%20Logo_Fraud%20Full%20Colour.png?width=243&height=120&name=GovNet%20Logo_Fraud%20Full%20Colour.png "GovNet Logo_Fraud Full Colour")](http://www.govnet.co.uk) [Subscribe](https://info.govnet.co.uk/subscribe-to-the-govnet-events-community) [Latest Articles](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud) [Fraud Prevention](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/fraud-prevention) [Fraud Detection](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/fraud-detection) [Central Gov.](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/central-gov) [Local Gov.](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/local-gov) [NHS](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/nhs) [AI & Tech](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/ai-tech) [Skills & Training](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/skills-training) [Leadership & Management](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/tag/leadership-management) # How Apprenticeships can Help Combat Fraud in Local Government ![](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/CIPFA.jpg?width=85&name=CIPFA.jpg) Heidi de Sousa, Counter Fraud Apprenticeship Manager, CIPFA February 19, 2021 [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/counter-fraud-apprenticeships&title=How%20Apprenticeships%20can%20Help%20Combat%20Fraud%20in%20Local%20Government&picture=https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/5539127/Copy%20of%20MJIT%20images%20%282%29.png&description=Discover%20how%20apprenticeships%20are%20playing%20a%20crucial%20role%20in%20combating%20fraud%20in%20local%20government.%20Learn%20about%20the%20new%20Counter%20Fraud%20Investigator%20Apprenticeship%20and%20how%20it%20equips%20professionals%20with%20the%20skills%20needed%20to%20tackle%20financial%20crime.) 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In [a report](https://perpetuityresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tackling-fraud-in-the-public-sector.pdf) published by by The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) last year, it was revealed that 49% of local government professionals felt they lacked fraud awareness training. This was cited as a key reason that local authorities are vulnerable to external fraud. During the upheaval and chaos caused by the pandemic, fraudsters have sadly taken advantage of the situation by creating more sophisticated techniques; leaving local authorities and public services even more exposed than before. Even though eradicating financial crime completely is not possible, as a community we can work together to mitigate the risks and reduce the threat. One way to do this is to ensure that staff have the skills to effectively investigate fraud, and that they feel empowered enough to actively pursue those who commit fraud against the public purse. To support local authorities' need for training, CIPFA now offers the [Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship (CFIA)](https://www.cipfa.org/qualifications/counter-fraud-investigator-apprenticeship) - a brand-new professional standard which aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and power they need. Outcomes of the new apprenticeship include: - knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements - how to assess and gather evidence, including forensic evidence - conducting PACE and CJA compliant interviews - preparing applications, orders and evidence for court and complying with the provisions for disclosure - understanding fraud from a civil law enforcement context The first cohort for the new Level 4 course will commence in April 2021 and registration is open until 12 March. You can talk email CIPFA's Counter Fraud Apprenticeship team on [cfi-apprenticeship@cipfa.org](mailto:cfi-apprenticeship@cipfa.org) or meet them one-to-one at next week’s [Counter Fraud virtual conference](https://counterfraudconference.co.uk/) Training and apprenticeships are an integral form of sectoral support. They are designed to help local governments efficiently recover from the impact of the pandemic, and to reduce the presence of fraud in the public sector. Download the [CIPFA Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship brochure](https://www.cipfa.org/-/media/files/training/cipfa-counter-fraud-investigator-apprenticeship-12-2020.pdf) to learn more about the apprenticeship, fraud investigator jobs and what it takes to be a financial crime investigator. ![Heidi de Sousa, Counter Fraud Apprenticeship Manager, CIPFA](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/hubfs/CIPFA.jpg) Heidi de Sousa, Counter Fraud Apprenticeship Manager, CIPFA ## Related Articles [ ### Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards 2026: The Official Shortlist is Here! December 10, 2025 ](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/public-sector-counter-fraud-awards-2026-the-official-shortlist) [ ### Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally: Better Protecting our Communities and Public Funds June 24, 2024 ](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/fighting-fraud-and-corruption-locally-better-protecting-our-communities-and-public-funds) [ ### The Importance of the Public – Digital Futures Series June 12, 2024 ](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/fraud/importance-of-the-public) [![GovNet-Fraud-Finance-RGB-Logo-White-Small](https://blog.govnet.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/GovNet%20Events/Logos/GovNet%20Fraud%20Finance/GovNet-Fraud-Finance-RGB-Logo-White-Small.png?width=139&height=70&name=GovNet-Fraud-Finance-RGB-Logo-White-Small.png "GovNet-Fraud-Finance-RGB-Logo-White-Small")](http://www.govnet.co.uk) [Subscribe](https://info.govnet.co.uk/subscribe-to-the-govnet-events-community) Since its inception 16 years ago, GovNet has produced vital industry magazines and hosted keynote conferences to the highest standards due their unparalleled industry access and by building a platform to encourage industry insiders and delegates to discuss issues in constructive ways. 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