Anti Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy Statement
The Council (South Ribble Council & Chorley Council) is committed to adopting a zero tolerance approach to fraud, 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 Council will promote an environment that actively encourages the highest principles of honesty and integrity.
The overall objective is to limit the Council's exposure to fraud 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 or corruption are proven.
All Members and employees 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, employees (including casuals, temporary and agency staff), partners, and contractors of the Council. The Council aims to fight fraud 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.