The second national Charity Fraud Awareness Week from October 23 to 27 sees a coalition – of about 40 charities, regulators, professional bodies and others – join forces.
Their aim; to raise awareness of the key risks facing charities, promote good counter-fraud practices, and encourage organisations to be more open about their experiences when fraud does strike; for a charity sector more resilient to fraud. E-learning resources have been created for the week focused on specific risk areas including insider fraud, fundraising fraud, bribery and corruption, and cyber-fraud; and how to make a counter fraud culture. These are being released on the campaign website.
The week was launched at an event in the City of London on Monday, October 23. Speakers included the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission Helen Stephenson; and Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fyfe from the City of London Police. Adrop-in centre at the event offered free advice from the City of London Police, Get Safe Online, Fraud Advisory Panel, Charity Commission and accountants Crowe Clark Whitehill on how to prevent, detect and respond to fraud.
Helen Stephenson said: “There’s no evidence that charities are more or less vulnerable to fraud than other organisations, but the impact of fraud on charities can be devastating. It can not only jeopardise the essential services they provide, but also cause reputational damage and affect morale amongst staff and volunteers. That’s why protecting donors and charities from fraudsters who are prepared to misuse valuable charity funds is a key priority for the Commission. It’s vital that everyone, working with or in a charity, plays their part in the fight against fraud, by staying alert and speaking out if they have concerns.”
David Kirk, chairman of the Fraud Advisory Panel said: “The progress made in improving fraud awareness and resilience in the charity and voluntary sectors over the past decade has been excellent. We now see a much greater and more widespread awareness and willingness to talk about fraud. But, as ever with fraud, there remains plenty more that we all need to do to fight this shape-shifting menace. Charity Fraud Awareness Week brings together so many charities in a collective effort to help stamp out charity fraud wherever we find it.”
And Lucy Sandford, the City of London Voluntary Sector Forum’s development manager, said: “In these times of increasing pressures on services and budgets the key messages and activities of Charity Fraud Awareness Week are essential learning for all charities. It is important that charities remain vigilant to fraud threats; that good practice is maximised; that staff and supporters are protected; and that everyone knows how and where to access the information and support they need. We, at the City of London Voluntary Sector Forum, are delighted to be able to jointly host this important event.”
Picture by Mark Rowe; Andy Bryce, head of development and operational intelligence at the Charity Commission, speaking at the launch morning.
