The Council has three key frameworks in place to support the identification, reporting, and investigation of improper behaviour by employees, Members, or external parties. Together, these arrangements promote openness, accountability, and integrity in all Council activities.
- Speaking-up Framework
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The Speaking‑Up Framework aims to create a positive and supportive culture where employees and others feel confident to raise concerns about illegal, unethical, or inappropriate behaviour related to Council activities
It acts as an early warning system, helping the Council identify and address issues before significant harm occurs. Examples of concerns that can be raised include:: :-
- Fraud or attempted fraud against the Council
- Faulty equipment or unsafe working practices used by employees or contractors
- Abuse of position, including discrimination or harassment
- Illegal activities
- Concerns about the treatment of children or vulnerable adults
- Employees or Members seeking or accepting payments or other benefits in return for work, contracts, or decision‑making in favour of a particular supplier
Speaking‑up is a valuable and important activity. Experience shows that issues such as fraud, corruption, cover‑ups, or serious misconduct are often only discovered because someone has had the courage to raise a concern. Early reporting allows problems to be addressed promptly and helps prevent further damage.
This framework provides a clear and documented process for reporting concerns to the Council. It also gives reassurance that disclosures will be handled appropriately, sensitively, and confidentially where necessary
Speaking-up.pdf (325.31 KB)
- Anti-Fraud & Bribery
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The Anti‑Fraud and Bribery Framework demonstrates the Council’s commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that all activities are conducted in line with the principles of openness, honesty, and integrity.
It sets out:
- The standards of behaviour expected from Members, employees, and those who do business with the Council
- How allegations of fraud, corruption, or bribery will be investigated
- How the Council will take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified
The framework also provides clear routes for raising concerns with nominated officers within the Council.
Anti-Fraud and Bribery Policy .pdf (137.16 KB)
- Anti-Money Laundering Framework
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The Anti‑Money Laundering Framework sets out the Council’s commitment to preventing, detecting, and reporting any exposure to money laundering.
It explains:
- How the Council reduces the risk of money laundering
- The responsibilities of employees and Members
- The nominated contacts for reporting concerns
Reports are passed to the appropriate internal leads and, where required, to relevant law‑enforcement and crime‑prevention agencies.
Money Laundering Framework Policy .pdf (88.66 KB)