In response to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 coming into force in September 2025 we have updated our Counter Fraud Policy to reflect our enhanced control environment.
In practice the core responsibility on all of us to report suspected fraud remains unchanged. In the majority of instances, this will involve communicating the issue to your Head of Department and the Head of Internal Audit. The only exception would be if one of these individuals is involved in the suspected fraud for which you should consult the Fraud Response Plan for an alternative reporting route such as disclosing through our Whistleblowing Policy. If the fraud requires an immediate response (e.g. you are witnessing the suspected theft of a University asset) the University of Bath Security team can be contacted on 01225 383999.
Common areas of fraud within the Higher Education sector can include;
- Phishing & Ransomware – A scam email, phone call etc. is used to trick individuals into downloading a virus, ransomware or steal bank details or other personal information.
- Identity Fraud – A student engages someone to undertake an assessment on their behalf.
- Misuse of Procurement or Expense Policy – Personal or fictitious expenditure is fraudulently claimed as University expenditure.
- Fraudulent consultancy – Engaging in unauthorised academic consultancy or unauthorised use of University research or non-research equipment.
In order to appropriately safeguard the University and yourself from fraud, it is important to familiarise yourself with the guidance as set out in your mandatory training (such as Cyber Security, Bribery Act, etc.) and where appropriate other University Policies and Guidance available on the University central policy index.
The University is committed to tackling fraud and will take all reports of suspected fraud seriously.
Martin Williams
Director of Finance