Intelligence - A Foundation Course
Intelligence is at the heart of effective counter-fraud work, yet many professionals are never given structured training in how to collect, analyse, and use intelligence properly. Without a clear framework, crucial information can be missed, mishandled, or misinterpreted, weakening an organisation’s ability to prevent and detect fraud.
This foundation-level intelligence training course provides a structured introduction to intelligence work for counter-fraud professionals. You will learn how to gather and assess information methodically, turn it into reliable intelligence, and use it to support investigations, decision-making, and risk management across your organisation.
Who should attend this counter-fraud training:
This intelligence foundation course is designed for professionals who work with any intelligence products such as:
• Fraud analysts and investigators.
• Counter-fraud and intelligence officers.
• Compliance officers and risk managers.
• Staff in public sector, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies.
• Professionals new to intelligence roles or looking to formalise on-the-job experience.
A certificate will be issued upon completion of the course.
Cifas Members receive a 13% discount.
Length of Course: 12-16 hours (self-paced).
Self Study - via an online learning platform in which students can work at their own pace.
What you will learn:
Understanding Intelligence
Build a clear understanding of what intelligence is, the intelligence cycle and the National Intelligence Model:
• Develop a foundation understanding of the intelligence cycle and its stages.
• Understand the National Intelligence Model (NIM).
• Learn how intelligence supports fraud prevention, investigation, and strategic decision-making.
Intelligence Collection
Learn how to collect information in a structured, lawful, and ethical way:
• Understand different sources of information (open source, internal data/closed sources, partner agencies, human sources)
• Learn foundational Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis methodologies.
• Learn how to plan and prioritise collection based on clear intelligence requirements.
• Recognise legal and ethical considerations when gathering information for intelligence purposes.
Assessment and Analysis
Develop core skills for turning raw information into assessed intelligence:
• Learn structured methods for evaluating and grading the reliability of sources and the accuracy of information.
• Understand how to identify patterns, links, gaps, and anomalies in data.
• Gain an introduction to basic analytical tools and techniques used in intelligence work.
• Learn how to read event charts and i2 charts.
• Recognise common biases and how they can affect analysis and judgement
Recording and Sharing Intelligence
Understand how to standardise and communicate intelligence effectively:
• Record intelligence in a clear, consistent, and accessible way for operational and strategic use.
• Understand how to write reports that will enhance decision-making, tasking, and risk management.
Using Intelligence in Practice
Explore how intelligence is applied in real-world counter-fraud environments:
• Understand how intelligence informs investigations, prevention initiatives, and enforcement activity.
• See how intelligence supports tasking, coordination, and prioritisation of resources.
• Learn how to appropriately share intelligence appropriately with partners and stakeholders, including responsibilities under GDPR.
• Develop confidence in using intelligence products to brief colleagues, senior leaders, and external partners.
Course format
This online course combines clear theoretical explanation with practical exercises based on real-world counter-fraud intelligence scenarios.
You will work through structured activities that mirror the intelligence cycle—from collection and assessment through to grading and use—helping you apply the concepts directly to your day-to-day role.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped with a solid grounding in intelligence principles and practices, enabling you to contribute more effectively to your organisation’s fraud prevention and investigation efforts.
Module details
The course is highly practical, teaching you to understand and uncover intelligence as well as analyse it. You’ll learn how to gather intelligence from a range of sources, understanding which require regulatory permissions or warrants to maximise efficiency and focus your time. You’ll also touch on the parameters set by GDPR to ensure your handling and sharing of the intelligence you cover is robust and admissible. You’ll accurately record your evidence, and write clear reports and insightful risk assessments.
Understanding Intelligence
• Understand the clear delineation between data, information and intelligence, and how to distinguish between strategic and operational intel.
• Know how intelligence is used effectively as part of an investigation.
• Explore the Intelligence Cycle and National Intelligence Model – core parts of the intelligence framework.
Uncovering Intelligence
• Explore a range of sources – from humans to the internet, electronic signals to financial information, as well as lesser-known alternatives.
• Understand the difference between open and closed sources, and when best to use them.
• Learn how to grade your intelligence to evaluate its reliability and validity, in line with current standards.
Analysing Intelligence
• Firmly rooted in practical learning.
• Understand intelligence charting and practical analysis methods (such as Telephone and Linguistic analysis).
• Explore alternative analysis types, including Quantitative Data Analysis.
Sharing Intelligence
• Adhere to core GDPR principles.
• Capture methodologies and evidencing.
• Write and format reports and risk assessments to a professional standard.