2025 Public Sector Counter Fraud Winners

Congratulations to all those who were finalists at the 2025 Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards. See below for the winners!

Oxford Investigation Service - Oxford City Council

WINNER: Innovation in Fraud Prevention 2025

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:

Oxford Investigation Service (OIS) leads fraud prevention for Oxford City Council with innovative initiatives. It pioneered an in-team Data Manager, the only UK authority to develop this role, driving technological advancements. A Tenure Prediction tool identifies private rented properties evading Oxford’s Selective Licensing scheme, ensuring compliance and improving housing quality.

Sponsored by:

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:

Kelly is known for her exceptional ability to adapt, build strong partnerships, and drive a culture of flexibility. She pioneered data-driven fraud identification and reorganized her team to tackle high-risk cases swiftly. Kelly successfully led the creation of the Enhanced Checking Service (ECS) team during the pandemic, rapidly reviewing Universal Credit claims and saving taxpayer money

Shelley Osborne

Fraud Prevention Officer, Lambeth Council

WINNERS: GCFP Member of the Year 2025

In Collaboration with:

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:

Shelley Osborne has made a significant impact as Fraud Prevention Officer at Lambeth Council, where she quickly developed and implemented a fraud risk assessment program. Her work during Fraud Awareness Week 2023 stands out, including revamped e-learning, animated videos, and a first-ever fraud awareness survey

Nationwide Recruitment Fraud Risk, NHS Fraud and Security Management Service

WINNER: Outstanding NHS Initiative 2025

In collaboration with:

The winner of this award exemplifies innovation, dedication, and effectiveness in tackling fraud-related challenges within the NHS:

The Fraud and Security Management Service tackled fraudulent English language certificates used by international nurses to secure NHS employment. Their work has prevented over £313,000 in fraud, led to multiple sanctions, and strengthened patient safety by ensuring only qualified nurses join the NHS.

Counter Fraud, Compliance and Debt, NDAS Delivery Hub – DWP

WINNER: Champion for Culture & Inclusion 2025

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.

The Delivery Hub prioritises diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, fostering an environment where all colleagues can contribute and thrive. Key initiatives include the award-winning Aspire Programme, which supports career development for underrepresented groups, and CFCD Fest, an accessible virtual event that broadens participation.

Alex Rothwell

Chief Executive, NHS Counter Fraud Authority

WINNER: Outstanding Leadership Award 2025

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 has imbued the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and staff with his infectious passion for identifying, protecting and preventing fraud. An inspirational leader, he motivates staff to excel in their fields through recognising talent, encouraging independence and inclusion and demonstrating that he values all opinions and ideas.

London Boroughs’ Fraud Investigators' Group (LBFIG)

WINNER: Local Excellence Award 2025

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:

The London Borough’s Fraud Investigators’ Group (LBFIG) is a collaborative partnership that supports over 200 counter fraud professionals from all 32 London Boroughs and the City of London Corporation, as well as affiliates from Housing Associations and Home Counties Local Authority fraud teams. LBFIG plays a crucial role in fostering best practices, delivering CPD training, and acting as a strong voice for London Borough counter fraud teams.

FIS , Economic Crime Operations, HMRC

WINNER: Team of the Year 2025

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:

HMRC’s Economic Crime Operations Team has achieved outstanding results in asset recovery and fraud prevention, recovering £786 million over three years. Through innovative initiatives like the Meteor indemnity project, the team has tackled large-scale fraud, recovering £360 million. Their collaboration with international partners and involvement in the European Network for Financial Investigations (ENFIN) has enhanced global fraud-fighting efforts. The team’s commitment to staff development, innovation, and continuous improvement has fostered a culture of success.

NECC Public Private Partnerships JMLIT+, Tax Crime and Evasion Threat Group, Organised Labour Fraud cell, co-chaired by HSBC and HMRC

WINNER: Public/Private Partnership Excellence Award 2025

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:

The NECC Joint Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce (JMLIT+) includes four Threat Groups; Fraud, Illicit Finance, Terrorist Financing and the Tax Crime and Evasion Threat Group (TCETG). These groups co-ordinate and set joint priorities to respond to, identify, and commission joint activity preventing and disrupting crime. The TCETG was the first of its kind worldwide bringing together Public and Private expertise, to tackle tax threats. Co-chaired by Santander and HMRC, unprecedented public-private trust, joined-up strategy, and collaboration on tax threats underpin the success of this partnership. It provides safe places for open collaboration on tax fraud, where none previously existed, allowing information and strategy sharing to combine government data with real-time financials.

Mark Sutcliffe

Head of NZ Buildings Counter Fraud Function, DESNZ

WINNER: Outstanding Contribution Award 2025

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:

Mark has been a pioneering leader in counter-fraud for over four decades, transforming fraud management across central government. At HMRC, he led digital innovations like FEAST and HEAL, significantly improving fraud prevention and case management. He played a key role in data-sharing initiatives, driving cultural change and enabling better fraud detection across government. During the pandemic, Mark advised multiple departments on fraud risks, ensuring secure economic stimulus delivery. His work on the Green Homes Grant prevented substantial misspending, setting an industry benchmark. Mark’s strategic vision, innovation, and leadership continue to shape national fraud prevention and detection efforts.