We are required by law to protect the public funds we administer. We may share information provided with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud. The Cabinet Office is responsible for carrying out data matching exercises.

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to determine the extent of the match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it may indicate 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.

We participate in the Cabinet Office's National Fraud Initiative: a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud – see guidance Taking part in the National Fraud Initiative We want you to know that we take privacy very seriously. Please be assured that we will always manage your data securely and responsibly. See private notice guidance which sets out how we will use your personal data as part of the Cabinet Office’s National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise to aid in the prevention and detection of fraud GOV.UK - Privacy Notice

The processing of data by the Cabinet Office in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under data protection legislation or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For further information on how we will use your personal data, and your rights, see National Fraud Initiative privacy notice For further information on the reasons why it matches particular information, see Code of Data Matching Practice for the National Fraud Initiative

For further information on data matching at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust please contact Bradley Vaughan, Local Counter Fraud Specialist, by emailing bradley.vaughan@rsmuk.com. Further information on how the NFI has assisted the NHS and other public sector organisations can also be found at National Fraud Initiative case studies

Useful resources:

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust privacy notice
GOV.UK - National Fraud Initiative privacy notice
ICO - Right to be informed
ICO - A guide to the data protection exemptions
ICO - Getting copies of your information (SAR)
NFI Security Policy