Express Solicitors Limited are fully committed to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all of our operations. The board of directors and senior management maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud of any kind.
To safeguard the organisations clients, employees, partners and third parties, we have established robust internal controls, policies and reporting mechanisms to detect and prevent fraud.
This Policy provides a clear and safe process for individuals outside of our organisation to report suspected fraud-based offences connected to our business, clients, suppliers, partners or any other “Associated Person” as defined by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
This policy applies to reports made by any external party including:
- Clients and former clients
- Third-party suppliers, contractors and consultants
- Members of the public
- Any other stakeholder who may have become aware of suspected fraudulent activity.
The suspected fraud referenced above includes the “base fraud offences” within the Failure to Prevent Fraud Offence introduced by way of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and as detailed below;
- Fraud by false representation (s2 Fraud Act 2006)
- Fraud by failing to disclose information (s3 Fraud Act 2006)
- Fraud by abuse of position (s4 Fraud Act 2006)
- Participation in a fraudulent business (s9 Fraud Act 2006)
- Obtaining services dishonestly (s11 Fraud Act 2006)
- Cheating the public revenue (common law)
- False accounting (s17 Theft Act 1968)
- False statements by company directors (s19 Theft Act 1968)
- Fraudulent trading (s993 Companies Act 2006)
Our organisation has a legal obligation to prevent fraud and by encouraging and protecting whistleblowers, we strengthen our ability to detect, investigate and prevent fraud and comply with our legal duties.
How to report suspected fraud
You can report any concerns related to suspected fraud to the firm’s COLP via e-mail:
Kristian.horsfall@expresssolicitors.co.uk
or via post;
F.A.O Kristian Horsfall
Express Solicitors
South Court
1 Sharston Road
Manchester
M22 4SN
When making a report, please provide as much detail as possible to allow the report to be fully assessed. This should include;
- Description of the suspected fraud
- Names of individuals suspected to be involved
- Any other supporting documents or information you feel relevant.
We will treat all whistleblowing reports confidentially. Please note that reports can be made anonymously, however this may mean that it is impossible to properly investigate the concerns that are raised.
Next Steps
We will acknowledge the report within 7 days. The COLP will investigate the report and will inform you once that process has concluded. Please note that we may not be able to share full details of the outcome of the investigation but we will endeavour to provide you with a meaningful response to conclude the reporting process.