Whistleblowing, fraud, bribery and corruption – strategy and policy documents
Anti-fraud, bribery and corruption strategy
We are committed to protecting public money. This means preventing fraud, bribery and corruption so that public money is used to provide quality services to the community. People are entitled to expect the Fire Authority to work with integrity, honesty and openness.
The strategy below sets out how the Authority will prevent, detect, deter and investigate fraud, bribery, corruption and other wrongdoing.
Whistleblowing – our confidential reporting policy
This policy applies to all employees and contractors and their staff working for the Fire Authority including agency staff.
The document includes details about what sort of concerns should be reported, anonymous reporting, the procedures for making a report, and what we will do after we receive it.
How to report your suspicions
If you know of a fraud or something else seriously wrong within the Authority, please let us know:
This policy provides a clear framework which is intended to give people the confidence to raise workplace concerns without fear of reprisal or victimisation.
This document sets out the Fire Authority's policy and strategy for preventing and detecting fraud, bribery and other wrongdoing.
How to tell us about fraud, corruption or wrongdoing
If you think someone is committing fraud against the Fire Authority, or if you have evidence of bribery, corruption or other wrongdoing, please tell us, whether the people concerned work for us or not.
We will keep what you tell us confidential and we will investigate the situation thoroughly and fairly.
By phone
You can leave a message on our Confidential Reporting Hotline. You can do this without leaving your name if you wish. Dial 01273 481995.
If you wish to speak directly with someone you can call the Head of Internal Audit on 01273 481447.
By email
Email our reporting hotline: confidentialreporting@eastsussex.gov.uk
By writing
If you wish to tell us in writing please write to either of the following:
- The Assistant Director – Resources/Treasurer
- East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
- Church Lane
- Lewes
- East Sussex
- BN7 2DZ
- The Deputy Monitoring Officer
- East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
- Church Lane
- Lewes
- East Sussex
- BN7 2DZ
By writing to an independent organisation
If you would prefer to tell an independent organisation you can contact either of the following:
The Authority’s external auditor:
- Elizabeth Jackson, Partner
- Ernst & Young LLP
- 400 Capability Green
- Luton
- LU1 3LU
- Elizabeth.Jackson@uk.ey.com
Protect – a registered charity whose services are free and confidential:
- Protect
- The Green House
- 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road
- London
- E2 9DA
- whistle@protect-advice.org.uk
- https://protect-advice.org.uk/
Preventing fraud by matching data with other organisations
National Fraud Initiative and Data Matching
The law requires us to protect the public funds we administer. So, we may share information to prevent and detect fraud.
We take part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching exercise every 2 years.
This involves comparing computer records held within organisations and by different organisations. Data matching allows us to identify fraudulent claims and payments.
Data we supply to the Cabinet Office can include:
- payroll
- pensions
- trade creditor standing data and payment history
- insurance claimants
You can find out more information on the National Fraud Initiative website.
Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 allows the Cabinet Office to carry out data matching. It does not need the consent of the individuals concerned. Data is processed securely and subject to a Code of Data Matching Practice for the National Fraud Initiative - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
You can find more information on the Cabinet Office’s Fair Processing pages or contact:
Head of NFI
Red Zone, 4th Floor
1 Horse Guards Road
London, SW1 2HQ