Counter fraud strategy

The counter fraud strategy details key fraud risks within local government and the controls put in place by the council to address these risks. It reflects our zero tolerance of fraud and corruption in all its forms and provides a standard with which our employees, elected members, contractors and residents must comply.

As such, it sits alongside the following documents:

• Whistleblowing Policy – which details how potential frauds should be reported
• Fraud Response Plan – details how allegations of fraud will be investigated (included at Appendix A of the strategy)
• Anti-Money Laundering Policy – details the council's safeguards and reporting arrangements in relation to suspected money laundering

The strategy is reviewed annually with a copy of the current version attached to this page.

As part of the most recent update, the strategy has been renamed from the 'Anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategy' to the 'Counter fraud strategy' to better reflect our proactive approach to preventing, detecting and responding to fraud.

The operation of strong fraud controls designed to reduce the risk of fraud occurring and identify when it does, is essential in ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and for the benefit of those who need them the most.

Most frauds are however, hard to spot and are only identified when a colleague or service user raises a concern that something doesn't feel quite right. So please remain vigilant to the risk of fraud and raise any concerns, however small, with our internal audit team, email reportfraud@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 533334.