Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Centre for Counter Fraud Studies opens with inaugural conference
Mon, Jun 15, 2009
The CCFS is a specialist research centre at the University’s Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, founded to accommodate the growing interest in counter fraud that has occurred within the Institute over the last decade. It aims to provide a clear focus for research, knowledge transfer and educational provision to the counter fraud community.
Dr Mark Button, Reader in Criminology at the University’s Institute for Criminal Justice Studies and Director of the Centre said: “Counter fraud is a huge problem for the British economy resulting in losses of up to 72 billion a year in both public and private sectors. The UK is not best placed to resist and tackle fraud and the CCFS will help to turn this around.”
Speakers at the conference included MPs Bruce George and Frank Field, Head of City of London Police’s Economic Crime Department, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Head and senior advisor to the World Bank’s Chief Economist, Maureen Lewis.
The CCFS is supported by many of the most senior counter fraud specialists in the UK. Its role is to collate and organise the widest possible range of information, research, publications and data about the nature and extent of fraud and corruption and the solutions which have been and are being applied. This information will now be available to those working in counter fraud and corruption.
“The problem of fraud is underestimated, undervalued and under researched. There is much that can be done to tackle it and central to that is enhancing our knowledge of the problem and what works in reducing it. CCFS has been created to enhance this knowledge and contribute towards a reduction in the problem,” said Dr Button.
The Centre will also offer research services where better quality information is needed by counter fraud professionals, provide an independent assessment of the effectiveness of arrangements to counter fraud and corruption and support those working in the area, such as the Police and the Home Office, by providing the latest, best quality information.
Jim Gee, Chair of the Centre, and former Chief Executive of the NHS Counter Fraud Service said: "Fraud is a pernicious problem which undermines reputations and diverts resources from where they are most needed. The CCFS can help us all to know more about the problem - and thus be able to select the right solution.
“We are in the middle of a recession where fraud concerning sub-prime mortgages was a major cause - and in the throes of a political crisis where it is clear that the public expect higher standards of integrity. There can be no doubt that the CCFS is an idea whose time has come.”