Duration 15 days (3 x modules) – Blended Learning

Learning Hours – 400

Taught – 120 hours

Self-Directed Learning – 280 hours

The ACFS programme is the industry standard qualification for professional fraud investigators and is the benchmark for counter fraud investigation training.

Delegates will receive training in fraud knowledge and the skills required for effective end-to-end management of fraud and the undertaking of investigations to the standards required by civil and criminal courts.

The course is ideal for practitioners in both the public and private sector with counter fraud responsibilities.  Attendees are likely to be investigators, managers, supervisors, audit staff and HR professionals.

Course content

Module 1 – Legislation and Core Pro-Active Areas

• Legislation and Investigation (General)
• Fraud Act 2006
• Theft Act 1968
• Bribery Act 2010
• Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Criminal Law Act 1977
• Identity Documents Act 2010
• Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002
• Criminal Finances Act 2017
• Forgery & Counterfeiting Act 1981
• Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 Codes of Practice
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 & the Investigatory Powers (Interception by Businesses etc for Monitoring and Record Keeping Purposes) Regulations 2018
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) 1998
• Data Protection 2018
• Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Equality Act 2010
• Developing a Counter Fraud Strategy
• Deterrence
• Prevention
• Detection
• Continuing Professional Development and Training
• Performance Management
• Collaborative Working and Stakeholder Engagement

Module 2 – Core Investigative Principles and Investigative Interviewing Skills

• Case Management
• Intelligence and Intelligence Cycle
• Evidence
• Note Taking
• Planning and Conducting a Search
• Police Station Procedures
• Obtaining and Providing Witness Statements
• Reporting Findings
• Preparation of Prosecution Files
• Introduction to the Role of Formal Hearings
• Disciplinary and Employment Tribunal Process
• PEACE – Free Recall/Cognitive Interviews with Witnesses
• PEACE – Conversation Management
• Pre-Interview Disclosure

Module 3 – Practical Investigation and Investigative Interviewing Skills

• To provide delegates with an opportunity to develop and consolidate the knowledge and skills from Modules 1 & 2.
• Delegates will practice a mock investigation, looking at offences and legislation, investigation process, sources of evidence, witness interviews, statements, pre interview briefings and suspect interviews.

The Programme involves a number of assessed elements, including open and closed book knowledge checks, post module assignments and performance feedback for trainer observed exercises.

On successful completion of the course delegates will be awarded the title of ‘Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist’ (ACFS).

The course is accredited by the Counter Fraud Professional Awards Board (CFPAB), supported by Northumbria University, and attracts 40 level 4 credits at at Regulated Qualifications Framework within England, Wales and Northern Ireland (or 40 credits at Level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualification), that is, one-third of the first year (or second year within Scotland) of a university degree.  This is the same level as an NVQ Level 4 in Investigation. 

Course Dates and Pricing