8. Raising a concern
This Council is committed to ensuring that all of us have a safe, reliable, and confidential way of reporting any suspicious activity. We want each and every member of staff to know how they can raise concerns.
We all have a responsibility to help detect, prevent and report instances of bribery. If you have a concern about a suspected instance of bribery or corruption, please speak up – your information and assistance will help. The sooner you act, the sooner it can be resolved. There are multiple channels to help you raise concerns, all outlined in the Anti Fraud, Theft and Corruption Policy, the link for which is in paragraph 5.8 above.
Staff and councillors who refuse to accept or offer a bribe, or those who raise concerns or report wrongdoing can understandably be worried about the repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith under this policy and the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring nobody suffers detrimental treatment through refusing to take part in bribery or corruption, or because of reporting a concern in the reasonable belief that it is in the public interest. If you wish to discuss any worries relating to evidence which points to potential bribery or corruption, you can contact:
Henry Gordon Lennox, Monitoring Officer
Email: hgordonlennox@eastdevon.gov.uk
Tel: 01395 517401
Write to: Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ
Anita Williams, Deputy Monitoring Officer
Email: alwilliams@eastdevon.gov.uk
Tel: 01395 571556
Write to: Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ
Simon Davey, S151 Finance Officer
Email: sdavey@eastdevon.gov.uk
Tel: 01395 517490
Write to: Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ
Jo George, Assistant Director for the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP):
E-mail: jo.george@southwestaudit.co.uk
Tel: 07720312466
Write to: Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil Somerset BA22 8RN.
Alternatively, you may contact the East Devon District Council Fraud Line number which is 01395 517494.
In addition, the Fraud Forum (Section 151 Officer, Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, Strategic Lead – Organisational Development and Transformation, any other officer deemed appropriate, for example the Strategic Lead of the Service affected) may meet to discuss any relevant issue raised. Their decision will depend on the nature and anticipated extent of the allegations, and where necessary, SWAP will work closely with either the S151 Officer or Monitoring Officer (or both) to ensure that a proper investigation is undertaken and a report with supporting evidence is produced.