CouncilAnti-fraud environment
4.1 We expect all people and organisations that are in any way associated with the council to be honest and fair in their dealings with us, our clients and customers. We expect our members and employees to lead by example in these matters.
4.2 To support this we have a number of procedures and rules to make sure that our financial, working and organisational procedures are properly controlled. These are an important part of our internal control process, and it is important that all members and staff know about them.
The most important of these are as follows:
- Standing Orders
- Financial Regulations
- Code of Conduct for Employees
- Code of Conduct for Members
- Scheme of Delegation
- Risk Management Strategy and Local Code of Corporate Governance
4.3 Where regulations are breached the council reserves the right to take formal action which may include ending their employment with the Council and civil and /or criminal proceedings being commenced.
4.4 In the case of elected members the council's Monitoring Officer will be responsible for reporting matters to the appropriate authority.
4.5 We believe our members and employees have an important part to play in dealing with fraud and corruption and we will encourage our staff and members to report suspected fraud or corruption.
4.6 We will deal with all information fairly and confidentially. We will endeavour not to reveal the names of the people who gave us the information. Our Fraud Response Plan, Appendix 2 (Word 37k) gives more advice on this issue.
4.7 We expect our Directors and Heads of Service to deal firmly and quickly with anyone who is responsible for fraud or corruption. The Chief Executive/Director of Resources in consultation with the Head of Audit Services may refer matters to the police if there is suspicion of any criminal activity having taken place.
4.8 The conduct of an investigation is a serious, expensive and disruptive business. Therefore where it is found that allegations are unfounded and vexatious or malicious, this will be taken very seriously and dealt with under the council's disciplinary code.