Speaking engagements/panel participation
The SFO receives many requests for speakers and panellists around the UK and overseas. Our decisions about whether to attend are based on our caseload, the theme of the event and the availability of suitable speakers.
This policy is intended to make sure that the engagements we undertake are consistent with our mission, values and objectives of:
- protecting society from serious economic crime
- proactively reducing harm from fraud and corruption by educating the public and working with other agencies to disrupt economic crime.
The policy also aims to ensure that we use our limited resources appropriately and effectively. This means choosing the correct way of engaging with people and organisations so that we maximise the benefits both to them and the SFO.
Request process
We ask event organisers to give us details of the subject area, proposed audience and the scale and nature of the event. We also ask for as much notice as possible to help us prepare - for example, secure diary space, research material the audience might be interested in and to create presentations. It is also useful to have an idea of the length of time we have to speak and details of any other speakers and participants.
We will inform the organisers whether or not we are able to attend, giving as much notice as possible.
All engagements accepted by the SFO are in principal only, subject to us seeing the final confirmed agenda and attendance list.
We will try to meet the organiser's deadlines for delivering speeches and presentations (where appropriate) but this will depend on operational priorities and cannot always be guaranteed. Our policy is that SFO slides will be presented on our standard SFO templates.
We will make every effort to fulfil a commitment to provide a speaker but there may be circumstances when we have to withdraw the person. If so, we will give as much notice as possible and endeavour to find a suitable replacement from within the SFO.
Following a presentation or speaking engagement, we will give the organisers feedback, if appropriate or requested. We also welcome feedback from event delegates to help us improve future presentations.
Considerations
We will consider the most appropriate level of involvement. For example, a keynote speech or similar requiring a senior SFO member may not be appropriate if we can achieve the same - or better - result from a more targeted presentation by another member of staff. We may also request that our participation is conducted via video conference / teleconference, especially where our operational commitments would prevent us from attending in person or the cost of attending is prohibitive.
There will also be certain circumstances where our participation can only take place if any relevant Travel and Accommodation costs are met in full or part by the event organiser and we will discuss this with you should this be necessary.
Speaking engagements and panel opportunities will be allocated to the most appropriate person within the SFO depending on availability and expertise.
Director and senior SFO members
Many requests for speakers specifically invite the Director or other senior SFO staff. Due to competing demands for their time, they will only be able to attend engagements where their attendance is genuinely justified. There is no hard and fast rule as to what justifies their attendance, but factors which will be taken into account include the importance of the issues being discussed, the make up of the audience, other participating speakers and the size of the audience.
We will always consider invitations addressed to particular individuals but, while we may be able to provide a speaker, this might not be the person specifically invited.
Copyright and reuse of materials
All material produced remains the copyright of the SFO and may only be used with the express permission of the SFO. Where permission is granted for use, it is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and without change. Where the material is being published or issued to others, the sources and copyright status should be acknowledged.
Inviting the SFO to events
All invitations should be made in writing and posted to:
External Relations Department
Serious Fraud Office
9th Floor, Elm House
10-16 Elm Street
London
WC1X OBJ
or emailed to: External.Relations@sfo.gsi.gov.uk
