What is your favourite part of the job?
I enjoy meeting learners who come from a diverse range of backgrounds and business sectors.
What skills (hard or soft) should someone have in your field?
To work in the counter fraud field, one must have subject knowledge, the ability to read nonverbal communication and a sense of humour.
What is the most challenging part of being a trainer?
It is challenging to ensure that the learning material always reflects current trends and the latest legislation. This is why we frequently conduct research to ensure our courses are as up-to-date and as accurate as possible.
What experience and qualifications do you have?
21 years in Learning and Development – Cert Ed, CIPD L1 and A12 Assessor and Coach, Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist and Trainer, Accredited Local Security Management Specialist and Trainer
How long have you worked in the position and industry?
I worked as a Police Trainer for 5 years before transferring to the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Training Service (2years). I was then an Operational Fraud Manager for the NHS West Midlands Counter Fraud Team before going to the United Arab Emirates for 2 years on a security training project (returning in 2012). I have since been freelancing across a number of clients delivering accredited Counter Fraud and Security Management programmes to a wide variety of learners on all continents.
What was your first job?
25 Years in the Royal Navy
What are the main components of your job on a daily basis?
Preparation – Preparation – Preparation!
What do you hope for PDA’s future?
I hope PDA will experience continued success, particularly in the light of the recent adaptation to deliver elements of the ACFS programme on a virtual platform.
Best/worst job decision you have ever made?
I can honestly say that in the 51 years of my working career, every decision I have made in respect of my career path has been a positive one. To fully answer the question – My career in the Royal Navy provided me an abundance of like skills that have helped me throughout the rest of my career.
How has the industry changed since you started?
A change which has occurred is that face to face learning is shifting more and more to virtual learning. Although this was happening prior to COVID, the pandemic has definitely been a catalyst for this change. It is quite beneficial because this allows courses to be more flexible and accessible to students and travel is no longer necessary.
What has been you biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was the transition from Public sector to Private industry. Delivering training courses within the private sector vastly increased my awareness of the stark differences and necessity to adapt my approach.
How do you see the Counter Fraud industry changing in the future?
I believe that Counter Fraud professionals will be required to have an even higher skill set around the detection, prevention and investigation of online/cyber fraud.
Read more about Malcolm and the rest of PDA on The Team