Fraud against the Council

Telford & Wrekin Council are committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability. Staff are encouraged to feel confident in raising any serious concerns they have about suspected illegal or illegitimate practices within the Council or any other concerns they have over any aspect of the Council’s operations or its conduct.

The Speak Up (Whistleblowing) Policy provides employees with an avenue to raise concerns within the Council safely. The policy aims to:

• Encourage employees to feel confident and supported when raising concerns and to question and act upon concerns about wrongdoing 
• Encourage employees to raise these concerns as soon as they arise so that appropriate action can be taken, although concerns can be raised at any time
• Provide safe avenues for employees to raise those concerns within the Council including anonymously and where appropriate to receive feedback on any action taken
• Allow employees to take the matter further if the employee is dissatisfied with the Council’s response
• Reassure employees that, if required, the Council will take action to protect the employee from reprisals or victimisation for speaking up

The Speak Up (whistleblowing) policy applies to the following individuals:

• Council employees
• Agency staff working for the Council
• Temporary employees
• Apprentices
• Casual workers
• Consultants
• Self-employed contractors
• volunteers
• Members

The Policy covers any disclosure of information which, in the reasonable belief of the person making the disclosure, tends to show one or more of the following: 

• That a criminal offence has been committed, is being committed or is likely to be committed
• That there has been a failure to comply or likely to be a failure to comply with a legal obligation that the Council or a person within the Council is subject to
• That a miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur

• That the health or safety of any individual has been, is being or is likely to be endangered
• That the environment has been, is being or is likely to be damaged
• That information tending to show any matter falling within any one of the preceding paragraphs has been, is being or is likely to be deliberately concealed
• Makes an employee feel uncomfortable in terms of known/established standards or the standards the employee has experienced and believe the Council subscribes to
• Is against the Council’s constitution, policies or code of conduct
• Amounts to improper conduct
• A misuse of Council funds

If you feel that something is not right you can report the issue to the Investigation Team, in Audit and Governance:

• by using the ‘How do I report?’ tab and Reporting form.
• telephone the Fraud and Whistleblowing hotline on 01952 383839.
• email investigations@telford.gov.uk.
• visiting the Investigation team in person.

Alternatively, you can raise the issue with your Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Assistant Director, Head Teacher or Trade Union representative.

You will receive information, subject to legal constraints, on the outcome of any investigation but will not receive a copy of the report.

Last updated: 13/06/2023 15:07