The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on 1 July 2011 with the aim of tackling bribery and corruption in both the private and public sector.
It is a criminal offence to give, promise or offer a bribe, and to request, agree to receive, or accept a bribe. A bribe may take the form of any financial or other advantage to another person in order to induce a person to perform improperly.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct, following good NHS business practice, and has robust controls and policies in place to prevent fraud and bribery. The Trust employs a specialist counter fraud service who are responsible for the delivery of all aspects of the operational counter fraud service to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, corruption and bribery in line with the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) requirements. The Counter Fraud service provides a comprehensive programme against fraud and corruption which is overseen by the Trust’s Chief Finance Officer and the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
The Trust has a zero tolerance approach to fraud, bribery, and corruption. The success of the Trust’s fraud and anti-bribery measures depends on all employees acting for the organisation, playing their part in helping to detect and eradicate fraud and bribery. The Trust also expects its suppliers and contractors to adhere to the same high standards.
One of the six principles of the Act demands that there is top level commitment in the organisation for preventing bribery. The Trust Board is fully committed to the Trust promoting honesty and openness throughout the organisation, one of the trust specific values being honesty. This includes the elimination of any wrongdoing within the Trust, and the rigorous investigation and punishment of any such cases (which will include appropriate disciplinary, regulatory, civil, criminal sanctions and where possible attempt to recover losses).
Although the Bribery Act permits hospitality, all staff must be aware of their responsibilities under key Trust policies which are available on the intranet:
- Countering Fraud and Corruption against the National Health Service Policy.
- Gifts, Hospitality, Sponsorship and Declaration of Interest Policy
- Freedom to Speak Up – Raising Concerns Policy
It is an obligation on all who have dealings with the Trust, as employees, agency staff, trading partners (contractors/suppliers), stakeholders and patients, to help us in our fight against fraud, bribery and corruption and to contact us immediately if any concerns arise. No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting reasonably held suspicions. The success of the Trust’s anti-fraud, bribery and corruption measures depends on everyone playing their part.
If you have any concerns the Trust’s nominated Local Counter Fraud Specialist can be contacted in confidence:
Byron Kevern, Senior Local Counter Fraud Specialist. Email: Byron.kevern@nhs.net or phone: 07775 417 508
Or you can contact the Trust’s Chief Finance Officer, Ian Dean. Email: ian.dean@nhs.net or phone: 07584 885 140.
All genuine suspicions of fraud, bribery or corruption can also be reported in confidence to the NHS Fraud and Corruption Reporting Line on free phone 0800 028 40 60 or at: https://cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud.
Page last reviewed: 19 September 2025