THE PUBLIC SECTOR COUNTER FRAUD AWARDS 2025:
THE SHORTLIST
Congratulations to the Finalists!
The Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards are designed to celebrate the fantastic work, commitment and innovation happening every day within the public sector counter fraud profession.
We had over 115 nominations this year, the most since the awards inception! All of them were of exceptional standard, and we’d like to congratulate everyone whose name was put forward.
It’s been amazing to see the inspirational work that has taken place across the sector and just how many teams and individuals have gone the extra mile to create better outcomes for both government and citizens in the national fight against fraud.
Below are the shortlist of Finalists. Best of luck to everybody involved!
Tickets to join us at Gala Evening will be opening shortly.
In collaboration with:
Award Sponsors:
THE 2025 FINALISTS ARE...
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.
Sponsored by:
Isabella Naylor, Investigation Officer, Counter Fraud and Investigation team, Government Internal Audit Agency
Maisie Wade, Counter Fraud Officer, Referral and Scheduling Team, Government Internal Audit Agency
Matthew Peter Dales, Regional Investigations Officer, BEDS & HERTS Investigations Department for Work & Pensions
William Kenny, Economic Crime Manager, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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.
Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt, NDAS Delivery Hub – DWP
Integrated Risk & Intelligence Service (IRIS) - DWP
Melody Bell-Barnard, HMRC Fraud Investigation Service, Change Practitioner, HMRC
GCFP Member of the Year
Members of the Government Counter Fraud Profession who have demonstrated the values in the Profession’s Code of Conduct, and who have gone above and beyond.
Becki Boyes, Fraud Risk Officer, NHSCFA
Sandra Simms, Investigator, Counter Fraud and Investigation team (CF&I), Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA)
Shelley Osborne, Fraud Prevention Officer, Lambeth Council
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.
Sponsored by:
Erica Thompson, Head of Economic, Serious & Organised Crime (ESOC), DWP
Kelly Murphy, DWP
Laura Piggott, Counter Fraud Manager, London Borough of Hillingdon
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.
Counter Fraud & Compliance - Enhanced Review Team - Department for Work and Pensions
DfT’s Data Science (Advanced Data Analytics Division) and DfT Group Finance (Financial Control and Counter Fraud) Teams
Integrated Risk & Intelligence Service (IRIS) - Department for Work and Pensions
Counter Fraud Data Analytics Programme - Network Rail Counter Fraud & Investigation Services Team
Oxford Investigation Service (OIS)
Local Excellence
The local excellence awards recognises the Local Authority and the people within them, whose innovative and singular determination to combat fraud has prevented public funds being stolen by fraudsters.
Corporate Anti-Fraud Team, London Borough of Waltham Forest Council
Counter Fraud Team – London Borough of Hillingdon
Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP)
London Borough's Fraud Investigators Group (LBFIG)
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.
Alun Gordon, Lead Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) for Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust and former Lead at Wirral Community Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
Alex Cleland, Implementation lead, Anti-Money Laundering, Investigation and Enforcement Services, The Insolvency Service
Dr Elisabeth Carter, Associate Professor of Criminology, Kingston University London
Jane Ward, Department for Work and Pensions
Mark Sutcliffe, Head of Fraud Control, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Richard Rippin, Associate Director for Operational Services, NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Outstanding Leadership
This award is for the individuals 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.
Alex Rothwell, Chief Executive, NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Helen Swan, Department for Work and Pensions
Lisa Tonge, CFCD Commercial and Finance Lead, UCCF, Department for Work and Pensions
Scott Warner, Counter-Fraud Manager, Oxford Investigation Service
Outstanding NHS Initiative
The winner of this award will exemplify innovation, dedication, and effectiveness in tackling fraud-related challenges within the NHS.
Alun Gordon, Lead Local Counter Fraud Specialist (LCFS) for Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust and former Lead at Wirral Community Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
Enterprise Fraud Risk Assessment (EFRA) Project Group, NHS Counter Fraud Authority
Innovative approach to risk assessment, NHS Fraud and Security Management Service
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.
Clue Software and NHSCFA
NECC Public Private Partnerships JMLIT+, Tax Crime and Evasion Threat Group, Organised Labour Fraud cell, co-chaired by HSBC and HMRC
Synectics Solutions, LBFIG and the NFI Polygamous Working Initiative
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.
Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) - London Borough of Barnet
DESNZ Energy Affordability Fraud and Error Team
FIS , Economic Crime Operations, HMRC
HMRC and Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Counter-Fraud Partnership
NHSCFA Fraud Hub
Operation Volcanic Investigation Team – Economic Serious and Organised Crime, Department for Work and Pensions
The North East ROCU High Harm Investigation Team
Celebrate with us!
The Winners in each category will be announced at the Gala Evening on 12th March, at the QEII Centre in London as part of a glamorous night of celebration.
>17:30 Networking Drinks & Canapés
>18:30 Awards Ceremony
>20:30 Carriages
Dress code: Business attire with a hint of glitz. See photos of last year’s Gala evening here.
Thank You to This Year's Judging Panel