Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy Statement

Solihull Council is committed to the principles of good corporate governance and recognises the importance of operating effectively, in an open and accountable manner and demonstrating high standards of conduct. In line with its Values, it requires all staff to act honestly, with integrity and to safeguard the Public Purse.

The Council will not accept any fraud or corruption and any case will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with.

The Council is committed to ensuring that opportunities for fraud and corruption are reduced to the lowest possible level by:

• Creating an anti-fraud culture
• Deterring fraud
• Preventing fraud that can not be deterred
• Detecting fraud that can not be prevented
• Professionally investigating fraud
• Applying sanctions against people who commit fraud
• Seeking redress for assets defrauded.

To achieve this the Council will:

• Promote an anti-fraud culture.
• Ensure that residents, employees, elected members, partners, consultants, contractors and suppliers understand that fraud is unacceptable.
• Have rules and procedures, which all stakeholders should follow.
• Have clear roles and responsibilities in relation to fraud.
• Share information with other Councils and organisations to deal with fraud and corruption locally and nationally, working within the law.
• Increase awareness of fraud and corruption through a programme of training and communication.
• Enable managers to document and prioritise any fraud risks.
• Encourage and enable Solihull residents, elected members, employees, partners, contractors and suppliers to raise serious concerns.
• Investigate all allegations of fraud and corruption
• Proactively review how we work to minimise the risk of fraud.
• Apply appropriate sanctions such as disciplinary action, criminal proceedings and recovery of losses when necessary.
• Publicise cases that demonstrate the Council is successful in fighting fraud.