Last updated: May 2026

Review date: May 2027

Policy Statement

Paint Pots takes a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and will uphold all applicable laws relevant to countering it. As a UK registered charity, we remain bound by the laws of the UK, including the Fraud Act 2006 and the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of its activities both at home and abroad.

Under UK law, the Trustees have a legal duty and responsibility to safeguard Paint Pots’ money and assets and to act prudently; avoid undertaking activities that may place their funds, assets or reputation at undue risk; and must take all necessary steps to ensure there is no misuse of Paint Pots’ funds or assets.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Set out Paint Pots ‘responsibilities in observing and upholding its policy on fraud;
• Provide information and guidance to nursery employees and Paint Pots trustees, on how to recognise and deal with fraud issues; and
• Establish standards of conduct for Paint Pots employees and their associates so as to ensure that the relevant legislation is not violated.

Paint Pots considers a breach of this policy to be a serious violation which may result in disciplinary measures, including the dismissal of employees or the termination of its business relationship with any third party.

Who is covered by this policy?

This policy applies directly to Paint Pots trustees and to all individuals working within as employees or other persons who may represent Paint Pots.

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that third parties who carry out activities supported by Paint Pots understand the requirements of this policy.

What is fraud?

Charities can be victims of crime in the same way as any other organisation and this risk can never be completely eliminated. Fraud may be carried out by someone connected to Paint Pots, as well as a crime committed by entirely external individuals or entities.

Fraud is a form of dishonesty, involving false representation, failing to disclose information or abuse of position, undertaken in order to gain or cause loss to another.

The term is used to describe such acts as deception, bribery, forgery, extortion, corruption, theft, conspiracy, embezzlement, misappropriation, false representation, concealment of material facts and collusion. Fraud can be committed in various ways including the following:

• Theft – removal or misuse of funds, assets or cash, including physical or intellectual property;
• False accounting - dishonestly destroying, defacing, concealing or falsifying any account, record or document required for any accounting purpose, with a view to personal gain or gain for another, or with the intent to cause loss to Paint Pots or furnishing information, which is or may be misleading, false or deceptive;
• Abuse of position – abusing authorities and misusing Paint Pots resources or information for personal gain or causing loss to Paint Pots;