Corporate anti-fraud strategy
Corporate anti-fraud strategy
The nature and scope of the council's finances, functions, and services, exposes the authority to the risk of fraud. We are committed to fighting fraud and corruption, whether attempted from inside or outside of the authority, and will take appropriate action against the perpetrators.
The council's strategy for combating fraud and corruption is made up of the following:
Anti-fraud culture
The council believes that the creation of a culture of honesty and openness is a key element in tackling fraud. The council expects all elected members and employees to carry out their duties in accordance with appropriate legal requirements, internal codes, rules and procedures and to act at all times with honesty and probity in the discharge of their functions. The council also expects that all outside individuals and organisations, including suppliers, contractors and claimants will act towards the authority with honesty and integrity.
Minimising risk
The council has in place a framework of controls and codes of practice to deter fraud from taking place and detect it when it does. It is the responsibility of all members and employees to work within this framework. These controls include codes of practice, schemes of delegation, standing orders and financial regulations.
Effective action
Chief officers will report all suspicions of fraud or corruption to the finance director (or chief executive, if elected members are suspected), who is responsible for coordinating fraud investigations. Following any investigation, the appropriate chief officer, in consultation with the finance director and director of legal and democratic services, will decide what action to take, including disciplinary action, civil recovery and referral to the police.
Training
All staff in the authority will be trained in fraud awareness and anti-fraud and corruption procedures, and this training will be reinforced regularly. It is the responsibility of chief officers to ensure that staff are properly trained in the appropriate anti-fraud procedures and fraud awareness. The director of finance will provide advice and assistance in the provision of training in fraud awareness to staff.
Commitment
The council is committed to developing an anti-fraud culture within the authority and amongst people and organisations that deal with it. It will attempt to raise the awareness of fraud, both within the authority, and in the community. It will encourage the reporting of suspected fraud and will take appropriate action when fraud, corruption and irregularities come to light.
