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Download the DRAFT Benefits Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy [PDF, 70 Kb]

Further information

Code of Conduct Benefit Fraud Investigators, Benefits Officers and Inspectors

Fraud Investigators are officers employed to prevent and detect Fraudulent Benefit Activity.

Benefits Officers are employed in the administration of Benefits.

Inspectors are officers appointed under Section 110A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (as amended).

The Council expects its Fraud Investigators, Benefits Officers and Inspectors (hereafter referred to as “Investigator”) to comply with the Council’s general Code of Conduct for Employees. In addition, these officers are expected to observe the following requirements: -

1. All cases of suspected fraud in which an Investigator may have an interest must be declared to the Benefits Manager. An interest is defined as ownership of, or interest in, a property involved in the alleged fraud, or a personal relationship with any persons involved in the claim for benefit.

2. All persons suspected of fraud must be treated with respect and courtesy at all times, in line with the Council’s policies on equal opportunities and customer care.

3. The Home Office Codes of Practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) must be followed at all times.

4. Information held by the Council must only be disclosed in accordance with data protection legislation.

5. At all times during an investigation, the rights of any individual who is being interviewed or investigated must be considered and observed including those contained within the Human Rights Act 1998. Conclusions must be based on the facts of the case, not on intuition or supposition.

6. The requirements of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 must be observed at all times.

7. The possibility of personal integrity and that of the Council being compromised must be considered at all times when carrying out unaccompanied visits. The advice of a senior officer must be sought prior to carrying out unaccompanied visits in the following circumstances:

• visits to persons of the opposite gender known to be living alone;
• visits after dark;
• visits to juveniles;
• visits to persons believed to be vulnerable;
• visits in any other circumstances, which, it is believed, may be particularly sensitive or difficult.

8. All records should be examined prior to interview or visit to see if a person is known to be potentially violent. Interviews with or visits to such persons should not be carried out unless approved by a senior officer and unless accompanied.

Any Investigator breaching the above rules may be subject to the Council’s disciplinary procedures.

Related pages on this website

• Benefit fraud: help us to stop it!