The Confidential Reporting framework (pdf 1mb) is an early warning system that can alert us to such things as:-

• someone defrauding the Council;
• faulty machinery or unsafe working practices being used by employees or contractors;
• people abusing their positions via discrimination or harassment;
• illegal activities;
• concerns relating to the treatment of children and vulnerable adults; or
• employees or Members seeking or accepting payments in exchange for work or contracts to a specific supplier or for making a particular decision.

Confidential reporting is a valuable activity which can be used to inform those who need to know about fraud, corruption, cover-ups and many other problems.

It is often only through the receipt of such reports that this information comes to light and can be addressed before real damage is done.

This Confidential Reporting Framework aims to provide a clear, documented process by which people can report concerns to us and to give them the assurance that the matter will be handled appropriately and where necessary confidentially. 

Anti-Fraud and Bribery

The Anti-Fraud and Bribery framework (pdf 1.2mb) represents a commitment by us to protect public funds and to ensure that all our activities are carried out in accordance with the principles of openness, honesty and integrity.

It sets out how we expect Members, employees and those who we do business with to act and provides and sets out how we will investigate and deal with any allegations of fraud, corruption or bribery carried out against or by those within the Council.

The framework also provides a route by which concerns can be raised with nominated contacts within the Council.

Anti-Money Laundering

The Anti-Money Laundering framework (pdf 1mb) gives a commitment by us that we will do everything we can to prevent, detect and report any exposure of the Council, its employees or Members to Money Laundering.

It provides nominated contacts to receive concerns and ensure that these are passed on to the relevant crime prevention agencies.

How to raise a concern

We will consider concerns raised verbally or in writing provided that adequate information is provided.

If you would prefer to discuss the issues directly with someone prior to putting them in writing then you can telephone or arrange to meet an appropriate officer.

The following people are the key contacts under this Confidential Reporting Policy and should be contacted if you wish to raise any concerns or for advice under this policy. They will be able to refer the matter to other officers for investigation if relevant:-

• Chief Internal Auditor and Risk Manager - 01785 619252 or 01543 464415
• Head of Transformation and Assurance - 01543 464411
• S151 Officer (Deputy Chief Executive Resources) - 01543 464334

For Housing Benefit Fraud Allegations - National Benefit Fraud Hotline (NBFH), telephone 0800 854 440 or report benefit fraud - gov.uk

Issues relating to the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults can be made to:

• the Designated Officer for Safeguarding - 01785 619195 or
• directly to Staffordshire Safeguarding Children's Board via the County Council on 0800 1313126.