A new Government Counter Fraud Profession (GCFP) is to be launched on 9th October to help fight fraud in the public sector. The size of the challenge is immense with fraud in the public sector estimated to be between £31 billion and £49 billion.

The GCFP will create a new community of counter fraud specialists across government, with benefits for both individuals and organisations. Over 1,800 members are expected to join the new profession later this year.

The launch of the GCFP follows 2 years of development work with over 100 organisations. The GCFP will provide counter fraud specialists across government organisations, with a common framework of professional standards and competencies. It will also introduce a professional skills platform (PSP), a web-based tool through which members can register their knowledge, skills, and experience, and self-assess against a range of counter fraud roles.

Launching the new central government Profession, Minister for the Constitution, Chloe Smith, said:

'The launch of the GCFP will make the UK a global leader in the professionalisation of counter fraud and will give our specialist staff an excellent and well-deserved opportunity for career progression within the discipline.

This government remains committed to tackling fraud in any capacity, including against the public purse, and this new Profession is one way we are enhancing our ability to do so.'