Have budget cuts had a negative impact on anti-corruption standards in our NHS?

Directions to NHS Bodies on Security Management measures issued by the Secretary of State for Health in 2004, stipulated at 5(6) that a Local Security Management Specialist MUST NOT undertake responsibility for, or be in any way engaged in, the counter fraud activities of any NHS body. 

The rationale under-pinning the requirement was clearly 'corruption prevention'.

Well, I’ve noticed that the latest Fraud Standards for Providers 2017-18 produced by NHS Protect don’t make any mention of that particular provision and I'm also aware that, at least since 2015, more than one LSMS has simultaneously held the position of both LSMS and LCFS at their NHS Trust.

Is it a case of letting anti-corruption standards slip in the NHS to save cost?

I don't recall the 'requirement' being revoked. Do you?

If it was revoked, I'd be really interested to know when, why (i.e. on what grounds) and on whose authority?

And, if the stipulation hasn’t been rescinded or revoked, how will provider organisations genuinely be able to meet Standard 1.4 of the Fraud Standards?

If you know the answers to the questions I've posed, please 'Tell'. Don't 'Run' or 'Hide':) Thanks!

Jim O’Dwyer, Senior Consultant, AEGIS Protective Services T: 01202 773736