HR manager sentenced for lying about qualifications: useful recruitment and selection resource

Checking up on an individual’s past work experience and qualifications is an important part of the recruitment process for many organisations.

Failing to do so can sometimes mean that the organisation is saddled with a problem employee.

But this case which currently has many in the the HR profession reviewing their appointment processes shows what the dramatic consequences can be for an individual who is less than honest on their CV or application form

Employers have been reminded of the risks of employment fraud after Kerrie Devine, an HR manager in Devon, was given a suspended prison sentence for lying about her qualifications.

Devine, a senior NHS human resources manager from Lympstone, was found guilty of lying about her qualifications to Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the course of reapplying for a post after a reorganisation. Devine was HR manager at East Devon PCT between 2003 and 2006, but when East Devon PCT was dissolved into newly-formed Devon PCT, staff were required to submit expressions of interest in new posts at Devon PCT.

Devine, who was on a lengthy period of sickness absence at the time, was found to have submitted a dishonest application in her expression of interest in March 2007. She falsely claimed to be part way through a CIPD course and to hold a degree in HRM from Oxford Brookes University. She also falsely claimed to hold a certificate in marketing from the same university, and a Chartered Institute of Marketing advanced certificate from Swindon College.

Exeter Crown Court gave Devine a six-month suspended prison sentence and ordered her to pay £9,600 in compensation. She must also carry out 150 hours of community service. The investigation was carried out by the NHS Counter Fraud Service (CFS).

People Management Magazine: HR Manager sentenced for lying about qualifications