4. Anti-Corruption and Fraud Policy – Volunteers

Appendix 4 – Anti-Corruption and Fraud Policy – Volunteers

• ‘Fraud’ is considered to be any intentional distortion of financial and other records, and the misappropriation of assets • ‘Bribery’ is the offering, giving, soliciting or accepting of any improper inducement or reward • ‘Corruption’ is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain (see examples below) and includes bribery

The Society is determined to protect itself and its members from fraud and corruption and is committed to the rigorous maintenance of a strategy for the prevention and detection of fraud and corruption. The Society's Anti-Corruption and Fraud Strategy is based on a 3 related elements designed to prevent any fraudulent or corrupt act, namely:

1. The way we work

The culture and tone of the Society should meet the expectations of: ‘objectivity, openness, leadership, accountability, honesty, selflessness and integrity’ (Nolan 1996, Appendix 1). The Society requires all individuals and organisations with whom it deals in any capacity to behave towards the Society with integrity and without intent or actions involving fraud or corruption.

Society employees and representatives are important in combatting fraud and corruption and are positively encouraged to raise any concerns they may have on these issues which impact on Society activities. In most cases, issues should be referred to an Executive Director (unless he/she is implicated in the fraud/corruption, in which case the Chair of the Board should be contacted).

2. Deterring and preventing fraud and corruption

Representatives of the Society should exercise their common sense and discretion in applying the policy to their specific role with the Society

Gifts or Hospitality

The basic guidelines here are to use common sense, with specific sensitivity to any cultural/behavioural requirements (e.g., in certain cultures, it might be considered rude to reject a gift). If in doubt, the situation should be discussed with the Managing Director (or Chair of the Board if the MD is involved). Where it is not possible to contact the Managing Director (lack of phone contact, too obvious/rude to do so), a gift may be accepted as long as the MD is told immediately afterwards.

Fees and commissions

Where you are offered a fee, for example, for delivering a presentation, this should be passed on to Shared Interest Foundation as a donation.

3. Investigation Procedures

The Society will deal thoroughly, but as quickly as possible with any person who attempts to defraud the Society or who engages in corrupt practices.

Where there are reasonable grounds for believing that a criminal offence has been committed, the matter will be reported to the police, or other relevant authority, by the Finance Director/appropriate person.