We expect all organisations, partners and suppliers doing business with us to have a comparable commitment and this enables us to reassure our patients, members and stakeholders that public funds are safeguarded.
Fraud is an act of deception that is intended to make a gain or to cause a loss to another party.
The Trust recognises the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 which came into force on 1 September 2025 and has created the corporate offence of failure to prevent fraud. This offence applies to all employees, contractors, and associated persons. The Trust ensure that robust procedures are in place to prevent, detect, and investigate all forms of fraud and financial crime.
A bribe is a financial advantage or other reward that is offered to, given to, or received by an individual or company (whether directly or indirectly) to induce or influence that individual or company to perform public or corporate functions or duties improperly. All colleagues or any individual acting for, or on behalf of the Trust, are strictly prohibited from making, soliciting or receiving any bribes or unauthorised payment.
The Bribery Act came into force on 1 July 2011. The purpose of the Act is to prevent bribery and corruption in both the public and private sectors. Bribery and corruption under the act are punishable for individuals as a criminal offence by up to 10 years imprisonment and the Trust could face an unlimited fine. We therefore take these legal responsibilities very seriously and are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems to prevent, monitor and eliminate bribery, in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010.
It is essential that everyone working for, or on behalf of, the Trust is aware of the standards of behaviour expected of them. These standards are set out in the Trust’s policies and procedures and reflect not only the law but the expectations of behaviour and conduct at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
As an NHS organisation we follow good NHS business practice and have robust controls in place to prevent fraud, bribery and corruption. We cannot afford to be complacent, and it is important that all our employees, contractors and agents comply with Trust policies and procedures.
On behalf of the Trust, we confirm our commitment to ensuring that all staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the prevention of fraud, bribery and corruption and that the risk of Trust exposure to any of these acts is mitigated.
We ask all who are involved with the work of the Trust – as colleagues, agents, trading partners, stakeholders and patients – to help us in our fight against fraud, bribery and corruption, and to contact us immediately if they have any concerns or suspicions. The Trust’s fraud team can be contacted in confidence using the details below.
Rob Harrison
Chief Executive Officer
