Fraud is commonly seen as criminal deception for financial gain, but its impact runs far deeper. It touches integrity, trust, and the wellbeing of individuals and communities. In housing, fraud damages more than balance sheets, it affects homes, reputations, livelihoods, waiting lists, and the people the sector exists to support.

Despite the sector’s strong compliance culture, fraud is still too often discovered by chance. To reduce both risk and impact, Boards must lead a proactive approach that strengthens awareness, prevention, detection and recovery. This is about maturity and culture as much as process, shifting organisations from reacting to fraud to anticipating and limiting it.

Arun Chauhan of Tenet Law and Paul Roberts of Newid Consulting have been advancing this agenda through research and sector collaboration. Their previous whitepapers began by assessing awareness and then elevating fraud as a strategic priority. Now, informed by insights from the latest Fraud Risk Conference in Manchester and supported by Crowe LLP, this third paper turns focus to meaningful, coordinated action.