A former local government employee has been convicted of fraud after being caught secretly holding down two full-time jobs with different London councils simultaneously.
The Discovery and Investigation
Sally Bodum, who worked as a Business Support Officer in Barnet Council's Family Services department, was first identified by a National Fraud Initiative exercise in July 2024. The probe revealed she was also employed full-time by Croydon Council in its Housing department.
Investigators established that her employment with Croydon dated back to July 2016. Barnet's records showed she initially worked four days a week, moving to a full-time contract in March 2024. Crucially, both of her employment contracts explicitly forbade taking on additional undeclared work that could interfere with her duties.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Bodum appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 30 October 2025, where she pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation and one count of fraud by failing to disclose information.
On 16 December 2025, the court handed down a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. The sentence also included requirements to perform unpaid work, complete rehabilitation activities, and pay £10,000 in compensation to Barnet Council.
Performance Issues and Official Response
Both councils had raised performance concerns with Bodum, including her lack of availability, slow report writing, and insufficient physical presence in the workplace. She eventually admitted to holding both roles during a disciplinary meeting at Croydon Council.
During her tenure at Barnet Council, she was paid a salary exceeding £60,000, all while working for the other authority.
Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, stated: "The council has zero tolerance for dishonesty and fraudulent behaviour. We hope this prosecution highlights the seriousness of this modern-day fraud of polygamous working and acts as a strong deterrent."
Josh Simons, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office responsible for the Public Sector Fraud Authority, added: "This case sends a strong message to fraudsters. My team is working to ensure there are no hiding places for those who seek to defraud hard-working taxpayers."
