Detection and Reporting Concerns
8.1 It is the responsibility of Directors, Heads of Service and their teams to prevent and detect fraud and corruption.
8.2 However, despite the best efforts of officers and auditors, many frauds are discovered by chance or "tip-off". It is often the alertness of employees and the public that enables detection to occur.
8.3 Reporting suspected irregularities is essential to the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy and ensures:-
- consistent treatment of information regarding fraud and corruption;
- proper investigation by an independent and experienced audit team;
- the proper implementation of a fraud response investigation plan;
- the optimum protection of the Councils interests.
8.4 The Fraud Response Plan provides a clear path for raising concerns and facilitating "tip-offs", and the fraud response arrangements to enable such information or allegations to be properly dealt with. The Councils Whistleblowing Policy also gives advice on how to raise a concern and the safeguards and support that are available to those who raise concerns.