5.1 - The University recognises the importance of prevention in its anti-fraud strategy and has in place various measures including denial of opportunity, effective leadership, auditing and employee screening. Fraud is minimised through usefully designed and consistently operated management procedures which deny opportunities for fraud. In particular financial systems and procedures take into account the need for internal check and internal control and staff are required to receive training in the operation of all systems. Additionally the possible misuse of information technology is prevented through the management of physical access to terminals and protecting systems with electronic access restrictions.
5.2 - Whilst access control is the first line of defence against the misuse of IT for fraud it is supplemented by intruder detection and access/activity review measures.
5.3 - The University takes steps to ensure that the behaviour of Council, its Committees and senior managers is always demonstrably selfless and that clear policies exist in respect of:
- commercial ethics
- registration and declaration of interests
- accepting of hospitality and gifts (see Finance Regulations)
- prosecution of offenders (see Fraud Response Plan - 4.1)
5.4 - Employees are expected to follow any Code of Conduct related to their professional qualification and employment at the University and this is to be emphasised at staff induction sessions.
5.5 - The University's Audit Committee provides an independent and objective view of internal controls by overseeing Internal and External Audit Services, reviewing reports and systems and procedures and ensuring compliance with the University's Financial Regulations and the requirements of the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE).
5.6 - Where new systems are being introduced or existing systems modified, the Internal Auditors are involved in the development and advise management on ways of preventing or detecting fraud or ensuring internal control.
5.7 - The review of the University's systems by the Internal Auditors is designed to deter attempted fraud and should result in continuous improvements in control. The risk of fraud is a factor in all audit plans and in particular the frequency of audits. The External Auditor's reviews of financial checks and balances and validation testing provides a further deterrent to fraud and advice about system development/good practice.
5.8 - Staff recruitment is required to be in accordance with approved University procedures laid down by Council. References are routinely taken up and candidates are required to provide evidence of their qualifications.
5.9 - Potential recruits are also required to declare any connections with existing University Officers or members of staff. (Members of recruitment panels are also required to declare such connections).
5.10 - Employees and students are expected to familiarise themselves with the Universities policies on email and Internet use (available on the IT website)
