In October 2024, the PCC agreed to fund a 12-month pilot project at Safer Communities from 1 January 2025.
Funding was provided to appoint one FTE Fraud Financial Advocate, delivered through two part time posts. One post covered Hartlepool and Stockton. The other post covered Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.
The aim of the roles is to:
- Help victims of fraud recover their financial losses
- Reduce the risk of repeat victimisation
- Improve their physical and emotional welfare
- Improve levels of satisfaction with the services provided.
The roles were funded through Proceeds of Crime Act, with equal contributions from the OPCC and each of Cleveland’s four Local Authority Trading Standards teams.
That meant funding seized from criminals by the police and courts helped victims to recover financial losses. The funding also helped to prevent further victimisation.
The current post holders both have extensive experience in the banking industry. They have a thorough understanding of banking legislation around fraud recovery.
Success in first three months
During the first three months of delivery, FFAs were able to recover £92k of funding for vulnerable victims with a further £250k awaiting a decision from banks and the Financial Ombudsman.
This service has already delivered extensive support to assist victims in their journey of recovery.
In order to maintain continuity of service, funders have agreed to extend funding for a period of 12 months to 31 December 2026.
The OPCC has agreed to £10,832.20-worth of funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The two part-time posts will also be supported with equal contributions from each of Cleveland’s four Local Authority Trading Standards departments. Funding will come from their respective POCA funding streams.
This decision is aligned to the Police and Crime Plan priority Ensure the right support for victims and vulnerable people.
DRF 2025-26 – 005. Financial Fraud Advocate (application, 125kB)