Why we have an anti fraud, corruption and bribery strategy Fighting Fr - PDF document

Why we have an anti fraud, corruption and bribery strategy Fighting Fraud Locally- The National Local Government Reporting Fraud, BriThe Council’s approach to Counter Fraud Related Links: Managers Guide-Responding to Su Corruption Reporting suspected Fraud, Bribery or Corruption flowc Fighting Fraud Locally- The Local Government Fraud Strategy Whistle Blowing Policy Whistle Blowing Policy for Staff Code of Conduct for Employees 7.Code of Conduct for Members 8.Code of Corporate Governance 9.Benefits Prosecution and Sanctions Policy 10Anti Money Laundering Policy this information pack, please contact Internal Audit Services on Extension 5426 or email Approved January 2013 Why we have an anti fraud, corruption and bribery strategy The purpose of this Strategy is to set out The Council’s commitment to ta I Tmbers and employees in minimising the risk of fraud We all have a special responsibility foCouncil controls millions of pounds of public money and we take very seriously the high expectations of the public and the degree Council are subject. Our Core Values However, against a backdrop of economic downturn, reduced public spending and significant changes to service delivery melocal government to take the from public sector funding due to fraud. was produced by representatives from public, and law enforcement. The aim is to achievaud, increase awareness and reporting. ctor Fraud’ which set out four priorities to tackle fraud effectively in the public sector: Zero tolerance Better assessment of risks Greater focus on fraud prevention activity This was followed by the National Fraud Authority (NFA) producing a National Local h central and local government, which ich should enhance the fight against fraud A P Pursue - Being str. We are proud of the exceassets, or claim benefits to which they are Approved January 2013Page 2 But, as in all organisations, things may procedures for combating fraudulent or improper attempts to obtain assets or services. . We need to maintain constant vigilance in order to safeguard the resources to which identify fraud and, at the same time, provide mechanisms for employees to raise The principles outlined in this strategyCouncil including school - based staff (all school Introduce appropriate measures to Adopt formal procedures to invest Aim to reduce losses to fraud and co O voice genuine concerns and protect Deter employees from making malicious or unfounded accusations; Hsuspected financial irregularity to the Liaise on fraud issues with all organisations with whom we are in partnership Work closely with the Police and other appropriate external agencies to 0. The Council also expects that all outsuppliers, contractors and claimants will act towards the Council with honesty and 1. An annual report will be presented to the Audit & Accounts Committee on fraud What is Fraud, Bribery and Corruption? . The Act also created four re Obtaining services dishonestly Approved January 2013Page 3 y and Counterfeit Act 1981 The Bribery Act 2010 BrAccepting a bribe Bribing a foreign public official Aof crime. Money laundering is the disguisi of future crime. Fighting Fraud Locally- The National Local Government Fraud Strategy This document calls for the adoption of nership between central and local Local government must recognise the of the use of powers by local authoritmore effectively. . Fighting Fraud Locally was developed by local government for local government fraud and have in place a more effective fraud extensive engagement with a Approved January 2013Page 4 implements the good practice put forwar The greater use of civil recovery procedures to recoup losses and claim Tffective and less reliant on the Police. Jon to identify more organised frauds B Iment checking procedures As part of this National Strategy copy of the e-learning training disk as parCouncils implementation Staff will be encouraged to undertake this training which has been designed Regular reminders will be issued to ste-learning training which is accessible via the e-learning platform. Statistics on usage will be reported to the Audit & Continued publication of fraud awareness bulletins to maintain awareness to . By using the free tool Be able to estimate the level of fraud loss and understand the fraud risk and use this information to target resources more efficiently. Be able to establish the level of Prevent more fraud by having access Have greater support through accessi Establish partnership arrangements more Develop a comprehensiApproved January 2013Page 5 Reporting Fraud, Bribery or Corruption Although prevention . If fraud, bribery or corruptbe reported without delay to a , Bribery or Corruption. The investigation of fraud,and will usually be undertaken by staff in cases, managers, under advice from Internal Audit. This is necessary to ensure that evidence is collected in a way that ken if fraud is established. . To facilitate audit work and investigations, Internal Audit staff are accorded rights, by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2011, to access all necessary documents, . Any decision to refer an investigation . The Council’s Strategic Communications team will manage the publicity opportunities associated with any proven caincluding where financial loss has occurred any action taken to obtain recovery of . Officers will face disciplinary action ifinvolved in these activities in addition to, or instead of, criminal proceedings Approved January 2013Page 6 The Council’s approach to Counter Fraud The Council is committed to an effective antfraud by raising the awareness to the possibility of fraud taking place within the council. This is based upon 3 key strands as recommended by the National Fraud Strategy: Acknowledges and Takes appropriate Review and update Maintain a robust Counter fraud plan Report to Committee Fraud awareness Creation of a zero Use if ICT to prevent Staff and Members Effective system Inter-related policies Using and sharing Pursue Committed to punish fraudsters and recover y of losses Prevent Committed to preventing fraud happening Acknowledge That fraud happens and understanding fraud risks Maintaining a Effective use of fraud recovery with all public organisations Approved January 2013Page 7 Version 4 Approved January 2013Page 8 Conclusion Conclusion This Strategy is aimed at reducing the Council’s actual and potential losses the delivery of its services. The strategy fully supports the Counchould be published on the Council’s website so that residents, bus The Council will seek to implement the good practice guidance included in the The Council has in place a clear ion. It will ensure that these errent and detection techniques.