Short thread on the new FSM guidance

Anyone who puts of with my tweets will know I’ve regularly raised concerns about the lack of an audit trail & the potential for fraud within EdenReds system

This may act a deterrent, but in reality it only pays lip service to the real issues https://twitter.com/ajjolley/status/1266094901286121474

It’s plain & obvious that EdenRed are not validating any claims against a list of FSM eligibility

So there’s a reliance on schools to check, only my understanding is that schools don’t have access to a live list & even if they did, schools can order for pupils not on the list

Minister @vickyford confirmed that schools can order for parents applying for UC, but who haven’t had confirmation they will get the benefit

In addition, schools were encouraged to order in family groups including those attending different schools

So at a system level, there is no way for EdenRed to validate the name on the vouchers is eligible, on roll or even if they exist.

The whole system is ripe for fraud

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way, since the contract was renewed I’ve been speaking to a number of SBMs in an effort to consolidate my view, (only this morning I was discussing with @sbl365 options for a sensitive & sensible way of highlighting the potential for fraud)

I’m essence, even with the new guidance, there is nothing to stop anyone with access to the school log in from ordering any amount of vouchers in any name they choose. As long as people aren’t greedy and raise a red flag, EdenRed & DfE will remain oblivious

Whilst I understand that the system was rushed, more so because of Goves “we’re including Easter” bombshell, there is absolutely no excuse for these basic security flaws

I’ve not heard of any cases of fraud, but I suspect that’s more a reflection on the honesty of school leaders