Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards 2026: The Official Shortlist is Here!

Apprentice or Newcomer of the Year

For the individual who has made impressive progress in a short space of time and shows huge potential to go further.

• Clare Moran, Fraud Investigator, CFCD, Department for Work and Pensions

• Erin Ballantyne, Fraud Officer, Infected Blood Compensation Authority

• Jasmine Bell, Counter Fraud Intelligence Officer, Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS)

• Phoebe O'Hara, Criminal Investigator, Department for Work and Pensions

Champion for Culture & Inclusion

For the team or department that have led on actions to remove barriers, improve the working experience, engagement levels of employees and enable talented employees from underrepresented groups to realise their full potential.

• Customer Experience, Attraction and Retention Team, CFCD, Department for Work and Pensions

• People & Culture Team, CFCD, Department for Work and Pensions

Female Pioneer of the Year

A remarkable individual whose achievements stand as a testament to her outstanding performance and the positive influence she has had on her organisation and the broader community.

• Cheryl Hill, Deputy Head of Counter Fraud Service Wales

• Christine Caine, Deputy Director Counter Fraud Operations, Department for Work and Pensions

• Emma Cathcart, Head of Service, Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit

• Kam Johal, Investigation Services Manager, Barts Health NHS Trust

• Stephanie Toghill, Head of Housing Investigations, London Borough of Islington; Vice-Chair of the Tenancy Fraud Forum; and Exec Committee Member for the London Borough Fraud Investigators Group

Innovation in Fraud Prevention

This award is designed to recognise an initiative that has been developed, implemented, and subsequently had a positive impact in preventing fraud or potential fraud activity.

• Integrated Risk and Intelligence Service / Enhanced Review Team partnership, DWP

• Essex Digital Multi Agency Approach to Fraud

• Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS)

• Olly Bellamy, Cybercrime Technical Investigator, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC

• Project Corfu, Ofgem’s Counter Fraud and Audit Triage teams

• The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) Fraud Team

• The National Right to Buy (RTB) Anti-Fraud Service - NAFN Data and Intelligence Services in collaboration with National Hunter

Local Excellence

The local excellence awards recognises the Local Authority and the people within it, whose innovative and singular determination to combat fraud has prevented public funds being stolen by fraudsters.

• Bedford Borough Councils Investigations Service 

• Herfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) 

• Hillingdon Council CFT 

• The National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN), hosted by Tameside Council 

• Vicki Gaulter, Fraud Investigator, CFCD, NW & W, DWP

• Warrington and Salford Joint Counter Fraud Unit 

Outstanding Contribution

This peer-nominated award recognises someone exceptional - innovators, passionate influencers, and those delivering real and positive change. An individual who has been influential and has significantly contributed to making a visible difference to Counter Fraud during their career to date.

• Dr Emma Folly, Senior Fraud prevention Officer, NHS Counter Fraud Authority

• George Loosley, Senior Fraud Risk Assessor, Department for Education

• Mark Astley, Head of NAFN Data and Intelligence Services

• Mark Robinson, Counter Fraud Manager (retired), Government Internal Audit Agency

• Michael Betts, Capability Lead and Head of Centre GCFP

Outstanding Leadership

This award is for the individual of any grade who is an effective leader, motivates others to deliver to their potential and manages projects and/or teams to deliver improved outcomes.

• Heidi Flux, Senior Leader, CFCD Southern, DWP

• Lindsay Tickle, Head of DWP CFCD National Delivery and Assurance Service (NDAS)

• Michael Betts, Capability Lead and Head of Centre GCFP

• Neil Green, Deputy Director, Counter Fraud and Investigation Team, Government Internal Audit Agency

Outstanding NHS Initiative

The winner of this award will exemplify innovation, dedication, and effectiveness in tackling fraud-related challenges within the NHS.

• Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Anti-Fraud Unit (AFU)

• Fraud and Security Management Service, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB

• NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS) Wales

   

Public - Private Partnership Excellence

This award seeks to identify and promote public / private engagements that whose best practice, learning and approaches have brought better value for money for the taxpayer.

• Bedford Borough Council and bpha - Tenancy Fraud Partnership 

• Invest NI and SureCert – SureScore Corporate Due Diligence Partnership

• Network Rail - Counter Fraud and Investigation Service and KPMG - Contract Compliance Services

• The National Right to Buy Anti-Fraud Service, National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN), hosted by Tameside Council, and National Hunter  

Team of the Year

The Team of the Year Award has been designed to recognise each and every member of the team and show how their teamwork has led to success and their consistent service.

• Hertfordshire Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) 

• Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Partnership (CFEU) - Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough and Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud and West Oxfordshire District Councils

• Counter Fraud Team - London Borough of Hillingdon 

• ERSOU Proactive Economic Crime Team (PECT) 

• NAFN Data and Intelligence Services, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council 

• Operation ‘A’ Enhanced Review Team Campaign - CFCD, DWP 

• The GIAA Counter Fraud and Investigation Team