Issue - meetings

An annual review of the Council’s:

·       Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy,

·       Whistleblowing Policy,

·       Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy (for Officers)

·       Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) & Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy

has taken place to ensure they are updated in line with best practice and legislation.

Some changes have been made to the Council’s Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy including an updated Chief Executive statement and added link to the Schools Financial Value Standards.

The Whistleblowing Policy has been updated with the inclusion of a formal officer decision record template to cover the course of action to be followed in accordance with Stage 3 (Initial response for a Formal Resolution). The link and summary guidance contained in the Academy Trust Handbook, in respect of required whistleblowing arrangements, has been updated.

Some changes have been made to the Council’s Declaration of Interests, Gifts & Hospitality Policy (for Officers) which include additional guidance on declaring ‘other employment’ and defining responsibilities of line managers in assessing declarations made by employees. A requirement for line managers to pass completed Form 1’s to the Service Director for their consideration has been added alongside the Service Director’s responsibility to determine if decisions made by line managers are appropriate. Some further general guidance on the declaration form completion process has also been added.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) Policy has been updated to include links to associated BCP Council strategies and policies.