Participation in the National Fraud Initiative

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it indicates that there is an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.

OPD intends to participate in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise carried out by the Audit Commission. Our participation in NFI will assist in the prevention and detection of fraud against DFID and organisations within the public sector. We will participate on a voluntary basis and provide the Audit Commission with particular sets of data for matching as set out in the Audit Commission’s guidance.

The use of data by the Audit Commission in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Data matching by the Audit Commission is subject to a Code of Practice.

Further information is available on the Audit Commission’s legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information.