Meet our team: Tannisha Herbert, Head of Counter Fraud
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Hey Tannisha! Tell us a little bit about your role…
As Head of Counter Fraud, I’m responsible for all operational and strategic counter-fraud activity throughout the Arts Council. I manage a team of Counter-Fraud Officers who analyse and investigate cases of potential fraudulent activity that we receive through a wide range of sources. At the moment, we’re spending lots of time focusing on our Covid-19 related funds.
We’re an integral team at the Arts Council because the primary focus of our work is to protect public funds from misuse, fraud and error.
What was your career like before you joined the Arts Council?
Prior to joining the Arts Council, I worked for an insurance company where I developed my financial crime expertise. I worked mainly within fraud investigation and financial crime analytics, where I investigated complex cases of fraud and liaised with external bodies, such as the police, to bring offenders to justice. Prior to that, I studied Forensic Science and Law, so I always knew I had an investigative mindset that I needed to put to good use!
What made you want to work for the Arts Council?
After being made redundant from my previous role, I actively sought out a financial crime related role, specifically within the public sector - because I’m passionate about protecting the general public from any loss or suffering caused by the fraudulent few.
Before applying to the Arts Council, I researched their ethics, beliefs, and diversity stance to ensure they matched my own, and they truly do. I’ve never worked for an organisation that is so caring for their staff, and where inclusivity is at the heart of everything they do! After my interview, I was sure I wanted to work here - my interviewers were so friendly (one of which was my manager and is by far the best manager I’ve ever had!) - they put me at ease straight away and I’d never laughed so much in an interview before! I’d heard the Arts Council was a great place to work, but I honestly couldn’t have imagined how great until I started my role and got to see it with my own eyes!
How have you found working at home?
I’m the only human in my household, but it’s far from lonely because I also live with my huge Chow Chow, “Bear”. He’s a massive ball of fluff (although looks can be deceiving because he’s also a great security guard when he needs to be!) If I didn’t have Bear, I think I’d have struggled being on my own so much, which has been a genuine issue for so many people living alone. But I love working from home - because it means I get to spend every day with my fluffy bestie.
The only downside is that, because I started working for the Arts Council during the pandemic and amid office closures, I didn’t get a chance to meet any of my colleagues in person for about 10 months. It was really strange to finally meet people in the flesh that I’d only ever met on screen. It also made me realise how much I miss the social aspect of working in the office, so I’m looking forward to having a balance of working between both the office and home.
What’s the best thing about working at the Arts Council?
The inclusivity. 100%. Within previous roles, it was the norm for me to be the only person of colour in the room. Whilst it didn’t bother me per se, it was something I was aware of. Within the Arts Council, that couldn’t be further from the truth! The Arts Council is unbelievably diverse – that was one of the very first observations I made when I joined. There are people from every ethnicity, from all walks of life, all with their own story to tell. It’s a truly inspiring and empowering place to work, and you’re encouraged to be your own unique, amazing self.
What creative and cultural things are you looking forward to most?
I can’t wait to get back into a theatre to enjoy a good show or music concert! The pandemic has been tough, and the arts industry, like many others, has really suffered, so it’s amazing to know you’re supporting artists, musicians, and cultural organisations through this time. Everybody who works for the Arts Council is truly passionate about the industry and we’re doing absolutely everything we can to ensure it can come back stronger than ever!
