Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:25 AM AWST

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Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity

Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPFRAU502B
State Code
C8124
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers the activities required to undertake strategic analysis and detection of corruption or fraudulent activities. It includes hypothesising fraud and corruption situations, initiating projects to test newly identified risk areas, analysing trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations, recommending courses of action and providing information on recommended actions.Fraud in the unit title incorporates both fraud and corruption. In practice, anticipating and detecting possible fraud and corruption activity may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector workplace activities such as acting ethically, promoting compliance with legislation, delivering client services, conducting fraud and corruption risk assessment, etc.This unit replaces and is equivalent to PSPFRAU502A Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Hypothesise fraud and corruption situations
  • 1.1 Hypotheses are formulated and guidelines specified for input into information system design.
  • 1.2 Data and information is collected from a variety of sources and methods including fraud/corruption records, audit records, fraud/corruption risk assessment, past investigations and other organisations.
  • 1.3 Hypothetical fraud and corruption situations are used to identify new potential risk areas.
2. Initiate projects to test newly identified risk areas
  • 2.1 New projects are initiated and parameters defined in accordance with fraud/corruption control plan.
  • 2.2 Significance and value of the project are justified and are consistent with the fraud/corruption control strategy and plan and strategy.
  • 2.3 Previous and ongoing activities in the relevant areas are reviewed for their contributions to the outcomes of the project.
  • 2.4 Project activities are designed utilising current knowledge, methods and techniques for the identification of risks.
3. Analyse trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations
  • 3.1 All project and investigation outcomes are reviewed to identify emerging patterns of behaviour reflected in data.
  • 3.2 Conclusions are drawn from data and statistical information as well as qualitative sources including information gathered and reports from previous investigations.
  • 3.3 Risks and strengths are identified as a result of a project's analysis of trends inside and outside the organisation.
  • 3.4 Discussion with colleagues and other experienced organisational staff is used as additional source of information on trends.
  • 3.5 Networks are used to provide useful contacts and information for investigation in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • 3.6 Performance reports are produced which identify trends in fraud and corruption activities and investigations.
4. Recommend course/s of action
  • 4.1 All relevant elements are considered during evaluation, prior to recommending course of action.
  • 4.2 Investigation targets are identified, and suggestions for future areas of investigation are referred to management.
  • 4.3 Recommendations are made for changes to organisational controls and initiatives to target potential trouble spots.
  • 4.4 Data is checked for reliability, and practical recommendations are made providing management with feasible options.
  • 4.5 Management issues and concerns are balanced against public interest and political concerns when framing recommendations.
  • 4.6 Recommendations are made that balance operational demands against contributions to strategic plan.
5. Provide information on recommended actions
  • 5.1 Reports are provided containing suggestions for actions and sufficient supporting information for management to adequately resource future projects.
  • 5.2 Advice is provided regarding appropriate controls and initiatives required to address fraud and corruption.
  • 5.3 Operational briefings and other presentations are prepared and given as required.
  • 5.4 Ad hoc opportunities to explain operational risks are taken advantage of, as they arise.
  • 5.5 Information is given in terms that clearly explain the nature of possible risk, with possible solutions outlined.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Methods used to anticipate or detect possible fraud and corruption may include:
the analysis of information about fraud and corruption received in the agency
the analysis of information about fraud and corruption compiled by an external agency
analysis of fraud and corruption cases reported and/or investigated
analysis of data matching across program areas
incidence of and reasons for any discrepancy
analysis of other/similar agency risks and trends, both national and international
Identification of risksmay come from:
analysis of trends in data
analysis of information coming from inside or outside the agency
Projects may include:
large data matching/analysis exercises
information gathering operations
targeting particular types of fraud and corruption
targeting new or changed operations within the agency
targeting specific areas identified from larger scale trend analysis
testing program methodology
targeting specific groups in agency programs
researching
surveying
Legislative requirementsmay include:
privacy
confidentiality
Evaluation criteriamay include:
political implications of fraud and corruption control and their impact on government policy
public interest factors
revenue limitations
strategic direction and organisational values of the agency
the variety of agency functions in which fraud and corruption may occur
changes to agency operations
information gathering or accessing powers and limitations
various sources of information or data
likely outcome
workloads
application of privacy and confidentiality provisions
Actions may include:
the preparation of operational briefing material
initiation of a particular investigation
recommendation for legislative change
administrative change
changes to agency policy and procedures
review of position descriptions or organisational structure
improved awareness through education
referral to another agency
seeking opinion from prosecution agencies
Recommendations may include:
staffing issues
cultural change
fraud and corruption controls
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPFRAU504B Conduct fraud risk assessments
PSPFRAU505B Develop fraud control plans
PSPGOV502B Develop client services
PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG502A Coordinate investigation processes
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
detection of possible fraud and corruption activity in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy and procedures relating to fraud and corruption control, including privacy and confidentiality requirements
methods for anticipating and detecting possible fraud and corruption activity
fraud and corruption control guidelines
fraud investigation standards
agency procedures relating to public interest disclosures, protected disclosures or whistleblowing legislation
public sector values and codes of conduct
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of fraud and corruption situations likely to be encountered
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when anticipating and detecting possible fraud and corruption activity, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
detection of possible fraud and corruption activity in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C1150 PSPFRAU502A Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWW12 PSPFRU004 Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity Unit of competency