Training

Effective investigations and fraud prevention do not occur by chance. They require structured methodology, legal awareness and disciplined evidence handling.

Many organisations assign internal investigations to HR or management personnel without formal investigative training. While well-intentioned, this approach can expose the organisation to:

• Procedural fairness errors
• Evidence mishandling
• Unlawful decision-making
• Unfair dismissal risk
• Tribunal scrutiny
• Reputational damage

ACCA provides specialist investigation and procurement integrity training designed to strengthen internal capability while protecting organisational governance.

Investigation Management Training

An investigation must begin with clarity of purpose.

ACCA trains managers and investigators to:

• Develop structured investigation plans
• Conduct “wants analysis” (defining objectives and required outcomes)
• Identify relevant witnesses, documents and evidence sources
• Preserve and manage exhibits correctly
• Apply procedural fairness principles
• Prepare clear, defensible reports for decision-makers

Training covers the full lifecycle of an investigation – from initial allegation through to final report for the delegated decision-maker.

Investigative Skills Training

Every investigation – whether simple or complex – requires disciplined methodology.

ACCA provides practical instruction in:

• Evidence identification and preservation
• Interview preparation and structured questioning
• Application of the PEACE interviewing model
• Managing credibility and inconsistencies
• Documentation standards
• Report writing suitable for regulatory or tribunal scrutiny

A core framework taught is the 5W1H investigative model:

• What happened?
• Where did it occur?
• Who was involved?
• When did it occur?
• Why did it occur?
• How did it occur?

This structured model forms the foundation for effective workplace and fraud investigations.

Procurement Integrity and Corruption Training

Procurement remains one of the highest fraud risk areas globally.

The ACFE 2024 Report to the Nations confirms that:

• Corruption appears in nearly half of occupational fraud cases
• Weak internal controls and override of controls remain major contributing factors
• Asset misappropriation schemes – including procurement manipulation – are the most common fraud type

ACCA delivers specialist training on:

• Bid rigging and supplier collusion
• Conflict-of-interest management
• Invoice manipulation and variation abuse
• Procurement panel integrity
• Confidential information misuse
• Vendor due diligence

Training is suitable for both public and private sector organisations.

Procurement Fraud Prevention Training

Procurement fraud often involves internal misconduct, including:

• False requisitions
• Inflated or duplicate invoicing
• Unauthorised ordering of goods
• Diversion of assets
• Collusion with contractors

ACCA assists organisations to:

• Identify transaction anomalies
• Strengthen segregation of duties
• Implement control checklists
• Develop procurement integrity frameworks
• Conduct proactive monitoring reviews

Leadership and Oversight Training

Beyond operational investigation skills, ACCA provides training for executives and investigation managers responsible for oversight of multiple matters.

This includes:

• Managing investigation portfolios
• Governance reporting
• Risk escalation protocols
• Ensuring independence and objectivity
• Avoiding conflicts of interest

Experience and Authority

Mick Symons brings more than three decades of investigative experience, including:

• Major fraud investigations
• Corruption investigations
• Serious criminal investigations
• Procurement probity oversight
• Delivery of specialist investigative training to government and professional audiences

He has also acted as a probity auditor on major metropolitan developments.

Why Internal Capability Matters

ACFE 2024 confirms that fraud is most commonly detected through tips – but poorly handled investigations can undermine outcomes.

Organisations that invest in:

• Proper investigative training
• Procurement integrity education
• Governance oversight capability

are better positioned to detect misconduct early and reduce financial loss.

Key Takeaway

• Investigations must be planned.
• Evidence must be handled correctly.
• Procurement risk must be actively managed.

ACCA provides practical, structured training that strengthens your organisation’s ability to manage misconduct professionally and defensibly.

For tailored investigation or procurement integrity training, contact ACCA.