4.1 - The University's expectation on propriety and accountability is that students and members of staff at all levels act with integrity and lead by example in ensuring adherence to rules and that all procedures and practices are above reproach. The University also expects that individuals and organisations that it comes into a contact with will act towards the University with integrity and without thought or actions involving fraud or corruption.
4.2 - The University is conscious of the high degree of external awareness of its affairs by a variety of bodies and the need to act in all matters with probity and propriety. The University is determined that the culture and tone of the organisation is one of honesty and opposition to fraud and corruption.
4.3 - The staff and students of the University are an important element in its stance on fraud and corruption and they are positively encouraged to raise any concerns that they may have on these issues where they are associated with University business or activity; this includes concerns related to the provisions of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Such concerns can be raised in the knowledge that they will be treated in confidence and properly investigated. Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, the Chair of Council, the Chair of the Audit Committee or direct with the University's Internal Auditors (Mazars LLP). Where incidents are reported the Director of Finance will be advised in order that action can be taken in line with the provisions set out in the University's Fraud Response Plan. Any member of staff therefore has a route to raise concerns to someone outside their direct management line where necessary. This will include instances where a senior member of University staff is suspected of fraud. Relevant phone numbers are as follows:
- Chair of Audit Committee (Richard Hughes) - (via Executive Suite) 01392 263002
- Internal Audit Partner (Richard Bott) - 0117 973 4481
- Director of Finance (Andrew Connolly) - 01392 263093
4.4 - In addition to concerns raised by staff, students, members of the public and others coming into contact with the University are encouraged to report concerns through the above channels. (Where concerns or allegations are made by staff and are subsequently proved to be malicious and unfounded then such abuses will be viewed as a serious disciplinary matter.)
4.5 - The University will deal swiftly and thoroughly with all cases of fraud and corruption in line with the Fraud Response Plan approved by Council.
