Counter fraud and anti-corruption policy

Fraud response plan

We have a zero tolerance to all forms of fraud, corruption and theft.  This means we will apply the toughest sanctions where fraud is proven – disciplinary and criminal.

This fraud response plan is part of the counter fraud policy. Our aim is to reduce fraud and loss to an absolute minimum and keep it there.

You should follow this response plan if you are:

  • a staff member
  • councillor
  • partner
  • contractor
  • Lincolnshire resident 

We all have a responsibility to:

  • report any suspicion of fraud 
  • to cooperate in any investigation, if necessary

If you work for us and fail to report your suspicions, you may be in breach of our counter fraud policy.  We may take action against you or your organisation.

Fraud is a crime.  It involves a deception which is deliberate and intended to provide a direct or indirect personal gain, for example: 

  • false expenses
  • exaggerated pay claims
  • altering accounting records
  • bogus invoices
  • forged cheques
  • fixing tender results
  • contract irregularities

Corruption is the deliberate misuse of your position for direct or indirect personal gain.  This can include offering, giving, requesting or accepting a bribe or reward which influences your actions or someone else’s.

Theft is where someone steals cash or other property belonging to someone else with no intention of returning it. 

This guidance only tells you what to do if you suspect fraud. For other concerns you should refer to the following policies:

Alternatively, you can report fraud suspicions using our whistleblowing policy