Anti Fraud Statement

Investigations into issues brought to the attention of Management will be carried out by Internal Auditors, in accordance with the above documents and by following procedures laid down by the Head of Finance.

Gedling Borough Council - Anti Fraud Strategy

Objective

To deter fraud and corruption within the authority and by anyone outside the authority.

Why

As an authority we are a responsible public organisation charged with the protection of the public money we use. Each employee of the authority also has the same responsibility to themselves, their colleagues and the public.

Who

Everyone. Both the public and employees are encouraged to stamp out bad practices. Any activity brought to the management’s attention will receive their full support and assurance that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.

What Support

Any concerns raised by an employee or member of the public will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Memebers Of The Public

Members of the public are encouraged to report to any of the following :-

Tell Who

Head of Service of the relevant employee/any Head of Service or listed below

• An Internal Auditor within Resource Services Telephone number  0115 901 3850

Heads of Service

Head of Finance -  (0115) 901 3990
Head of Direct Services - (0115) 901 3610
Head of Housing -  (0115) 901 3651
Head of Legal and Democractic Services  - (0115) 901 3914
Head of Leisure  - (0115) 901 3707
Head of Personnel and Organisational Development and IT - (0115) 901 3930
Head of Planning and Environment - (0115) 901 3751
Head of Cabinet Officer (0115) 9013808

What Happens

Management will report all allegations of fraud and corruption to the Director of Resources, in accordance with the financial regulations of the authority.

Employees - Tell Who

• Your line manager/supervisor or
• Your Head of Service or
• Any manager/head of service or
• An internal auditor within the Resource Services extension 3850

Who Investigates

Internal Auditors

Outcomes

Following the investigation, if there is evidence of fraudulent activity the Head of Finance will consult with line management, who will decide on the appropriate course of action

Management will deal quickly and firmly with those who defraud or act corruptly in the use of the authority’s assets.

Any misuse of this process through unfounded or malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary matter.

The employees of this authority are generally honest and hard working. It is these qualities that we should continue to nurture. Any unusual activities by other employees or the public should be brought to the Management’s attention immediately. This will ensure that we continue to provide a quality service now and in the future.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

“The Public Interest Disclosure Act was introduced to protect individuals who make certain disclosures of information in the public interest.

The Act defines the type of disclosure of information which would qualify a worker for protection. This is usually in circumstances where the worker has reasonable belief that there is :-

• Commission of a criminal offence
• A failure to comply with a legal obligation
• A miscarriage of justice
• Danger to health and safety of an individual
• Damage to the environment
• The deliberate concealment of any other matters

Should an employee or worker make such a disclosure they have the right to be protected. If an employee or worker suffers victimisation or their contract is terminated as a result of a disclosure, action can be taken by way of a complaint to the Employment Tribunal.  

This provision is in addition to the normal provisions under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

No not the musical kind, but something very important to all Local Authorities and public service providers.

Local Authorities are in the main funded through Central Government Grants (met from direct taxation) and income from Council Tax payers and tenants rents.

So what has this got to do with whistleblowing and what has this got to do with you?

Fraud and corruption exists within all public services and it:

• Costs the taxpayer millions of pounds each year
• Damages public confidence when rumours “grow legs”
• Demoralises the workforce who are subjected to unfair criticism

As employees within the public sector you have a responsibility to report all incidents of suspected irregularity. The Public Interest Disclosure Act now provides you with protection from victimisation or reprisal for incidents that you notify us of.

If you wish to discuss a concern in confidence then this is guaranteed, but there may be occasions (for example, where evidence is needed in court) where the matter cannot be resolved unless your identity is revealed.

So what are the do’s and don’ts if you suspect an irregularity?

Do

• Keep calm
• Think about the risks and outcomes before you act
• Remember you are witness, not a complainant
• Think about who you would feel comfortable at notifying

Don't

• Forget there may be an innocent or good explanation
• Become a private detective
• Use the whistleblowing procedure to pursue a personal grievance

Delay in notifying us

Who to contact:

• Your line/section Manager
• Internal Audit ( 0115 9013850)
• Head of Finance (0115 9013990)

·The Audit Commissions dedicated Public Interest Disclosure Act phone number 0845 052 2646

We will treat all disclosures in confidence and follow the appropriate procedures of investigation.

Your action might save the Authority and taxpayers money.