Safeguarding education: Strengthening fraud awareness and prevention

The Department for Education has released updated guidance to help education and training providers across England strengthen their defences against fraud.

Aimed at academy trusts, colleges, and independent training providers, the document outlines practical steps to prevent, detect, and report fraudulent activity.

Key highlights include:

• General fraud advice: The guidance offers foundational insights into common fraud risks facing the education sector, helping institutions understand how fraud can manifest and what warning signs to watch for.

• Developing counter-fraud strategies: Providers are encouraged to establish robust policies and procedures tailored to their operational context. This includes embedding fraud awareness into governance structures and staff training as well as having a fraud response plan.

• Cyber-related fraud: With digital threats on the rise, the guidance also addresses cyber fraud, offering advice on how to protect sensitive data and financial systems from online attacks.

Importantly, this is designed to support providers as a helpful resource to be used both as a preventative tool and as a referral point when fraud is identified.

From September 2025 large, incorporated organisations can be prosecuted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 for failing to prevent fraud – this includes academies.

The guidance is part of a broader effort to promote financial integrity and accountability in education. It will be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects evolving risks and best practices.

For full details, visit the official publication on GOV.UK: Fraud awareness: good practice for education and training providers.