Council workers are being urged to blow the whistle on crooked colleagues as part of a new plan to root out corruption across Perthshire.
Proposals for the clampdown on sleaze were approved by Perth and Kinross Council.
Local authority leaders said the plan would ensure that strict procedures were put in place to help defend it against crimes such as fraud, bribery and money laundering.
Whistleblowers will also be offered extra protection in a bid to encourage staff to report any suspected wrongdoing without the fear of losing their jobs or being victimised by bosses or coworkers.
In a report brought before members of the council’s strategic policy and resources committee, chief internal auditor Jackie Clark stated: “Employees, contracted workers or members of the council are often the first to realise that there could be something seriously wrong with the way the council is operating.
“This policy sets out the principles that enable them to raise concerns about a danger, risks, malpractice or wrongdoing that affects others, without the fear of adverse consequences.”
She added: “The council is committed to the highest standards of openness, probity and accountability.
“In line with that commitment, (workers and members) who have legitimate concerns about any aspects of the council’s work are encouraged to come forward and voice those concerns.
“This policy makes it clear that such disclosures can be made without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage.”
She said the council would do what it could to ensure the anonymity of anyone who speaks up.
Welcoming the move, council leader Ian Miller said that the counter-fraud and corruption strategy was designed to “leave people in no doubt that this council is committed to ensuring that its business is carried out with honesty and integrity by its members and employees.”
He added: “This authority does not have a history of issues with fraud and corruption but I know that everyone will agree with me that there can be no room for complacency.”
Councillor Miller said that the new whistleblowing policy would be a “real litmus test” of the council’s determination to tackle corruption from within.
“The council relies on the vigilance, honesty and bravery of its employees and members to come forward and voice their concerns where they see dishonesty or malpractice in the workplace,” he said.
“We want to encourage people to come to us with their concerns, and the whistle-blowing policy is the council’s pledge that those who do so will be protected.”
Mr Miller told fellow councillors: “It is important to stress that this strategy and these policies alone are not enough to prevent fraud and corruption.”
He said a follow-up report would be submitted to the audit committee in six months.
A review of the council’s anti-corruption strategy was carried out to ensure it complied with the Chartered Institue of Public Finance and Accountancy’s code of conduct.
The Bribery Act 2010 also requires organisations to establish arrangements to demonstrate compliance.
Figures from the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) show that the cumulative total of fraud against the public sector since 1996 is standing at £1.17 billion.
In Scotland, this total is now £94 million, with 4,447 investigations still in progress and action being taken to recover £4.5m in overpayments.