24.1 Overview
It is in the Authority’s interest to prevent fraud and corruption that may result in loss of income, assets or other resources. The Council expects Members and Officers to demonstrate propriety and accountability in accordance with their codes of conduct in carrying out their duties.
24.2 Responsibility/Accountability
24.2.1 All (click here for all responsibilities for all)
Members and Officers are responsible for acting within their respective Codes of Conduct and for registering any interests outside the Authority in accordance with regulations. Members and Officers must also comply with the Code of Conduct and Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy.
24.2.2 Directors (click here for all responsibilities for Directors)
Leading the development and maintenance of an anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy.
Reporting any suspected irregularities or financial impropriety.
Instigating the use of the Council’s disciplinary procedures where appropriate.
24.2.3 Head of Law and Corporate Governance (click here for all responsibilities for the Monitoring Officer)
Maintaining an adequate and effective audit function.
Ensuring that financial irregularities are reported to Cabinet, relevant Scrutiny & Review Panel, and the Chief Executive where he considers it appropriate.
Investigating all irregularities reported to him or discovered by him. This includes reporting to the Police in appropriate cases where it is suspected that a criminal act has been committed.
Investigating promptly any fraud or irregularity of which he becomes aware and reporting it to the Chief Executive where appropriate.
24.2.4 Business Unit Heads (click here for all responsibilities for Business Unit Heads)
Collectively for the development and maintenance of an anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy.
Reporting any suspected irregularities or financial impropriety.
Instigating the use of the Council’s disciplinary procedures where appropriate.
Maintaining a register of interests of Officers within their areas.
24.3 Policy
The Authority operates an anti-fraud and anti-corruption policy, an irregularity investigation policy, and a ‘Whistleblowing’ policy. These, in conjunction with Member and Officer Codes of Conduct and registers of interest, determine the overall policy of the Authority with regard to prevention of fraud and corruption. If sufficient evidence exists to believe a criminal offence may have been committed, police or other legal action will be taken. Internal and external audit will regularly review the corporate governance arrangements of the Authority.
Any suspected irregularities should be reported to the Section 151 Officer and, if necessary, the Head of Law and Corporate Governance.
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