Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy Statement and Strategy

The council is committed to adopting a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery and corruption from both internal and external sources. It is committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity and to implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter fraud, bribery and corruption.

The overall objective is to limit the council's exposure to fraud, bribery and corruption, and to minimise financial loss and the potential adverse effects on its reputation in the event of this occurrence by:

• creating a counter fraud culture;
• understanding the fraud risks facing the council;
• implementing measures to deter, prevent and detect fraud;
• promptly and professionally investigating alleged or detected fraud; and
• imposing appropriate sanctions and redress where fraud, bribery or corruption are proven.

All members, employees, suppliers and contractors of the council should ensure the highest standards of stewardship of public funds. The detection, prevention and reporting of fraud, bribery and corruption is the responsibility of all members and employees of the council and also of our suppliers and contractors. The council aims to fight fraud, bribery and corruption by encouraging prevention whilst also promoting detection.

It is important to note that fraud may be committed both from within the council and externally. Fraud may be complex or simple; opportunistic, pre-planned or continuous. Unlike fraud, bribery and corruption usually require the involvement of a council member or employee.