Counter fraud and corruption strategy

4.1. The council is committed to maintaining a strong counter fraud and corruption culture and recognises that a strong culture is one of the most powerful tools to combat fraud.

4.2. All managers have responsibility for ensuring that the council’s culture supports its stated approach to fraud. In practice, this means that managers must:

• Create an ethos of honesty and integrity, leading by example.
• Embrace and embed the council’s Values and Behaviours.
• Foster an open environment where staff feel able to voice concerns.
• Reinforce consistent messages that fraud will not be tolerated.
• Promote fraud and corruption awareness.

4.3. The council expects all employees, agency workers, Members and contractors to act in accordance with the Seven Principles of Public Life:

• Selflessness – Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or friends.
• Integrity – Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
• Objectivity – In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make their choices on merit.
• Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
• Openness – Holder of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
• Honesty – Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership – Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.