National Trust Surveyor Jailed for £1 Million Fraud Scheme

A former surveyor for the National Trust, one of Europe's largest conservation charities, has been convicted of a significant fraud scheme. Roger Bryant, 73, exploited his position to defraud the organization of over £1 million through a series of false invoices for work that was never performed.

Between January 2008 and October 2013, Bryant authorized 148 fraudulent payments totaling £1,061,096 to JR Contracting, a company associated with his son James Bryant, 49. Additionally, 36 payments amounting to £64,208 were made to SB Construction, linked to his other son Scott Bryant, 38, from February 2011 to October 2013.

The fraud came to light in October 2013 when JR Contracting was identified as the Trust's largest supplier in the area, despite being unknown to management. This discovery prompted an investigation, leading to the involvement of law enforcement.

Roger Bryant attempted to obstruct justice by asking individuals to falsely claim they had witnessed work at various locations. However, an expert building surveyor found no evidence of the purported work. Tenants occupying some of the properties had no recollection of any construction activities, and there were no records of the necessary building supplies being purchased.

On September 20, 2024, Bristol Crown Court sentenced Roger Bryant to six and a half years in prison. James Bryant received a four-year sentence, while Scott Bryant was given an 18-month suspended sentence and 170 hours of unpaid work.

The National Trust, founded in 1895, manages over 500 historic properties and attracts more than 26 million visitors annually. With an annual income exceeding £600 million, the organization relies on membership fees, donations, and revenue from its properties to fund its conservation efforts.

Sian Mitchell from the Crown Prosecution Service stated: "Roger Bryant breached the trust placed in him as an employee of the National Trust, committing a significant fraud against them. He consistently attempted to mislead investigators, hiding paperwork and trying to persuade witnesses to lie."

A spokesperson for the National Trust expressed shock at the crimes committed by a trusted staff member. The organization, which protects over 780 miles of coastline and manages over 25,000 archaeological sites, has been deeply affected by this breach of trust.

Detective Inspector Adam Bond from Devon and Cornwall Police commented on the severity of the fraud, emphasizing that the sentences reflect the gravity of the crime. This case highlights the importance of robust financial oversight, even within charitable organizations dedicated to preserving the UK's cultural and natural heritage.

"We have all been very shocked at the crimes committed by a trusted of member of staff."

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by large organizations in maintaining financial integrity, even as they work towards important conservation goals. The National Trust, with its vast portfolio of over 250,000 hectares of land and 1 million objects in its care, must now strengthen its internal controls to prevent future fraudulent activities.