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Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils are rewarding places to work, with high levels of resident satisfaction and motivated staff who enjoy working for us.
Notice of Inspection 2020/2021
The Draft Statement of Accounts 2020/21 – Public Inspection Notice
Notice of the Commencement of the Period for the Exercise of Public Rights
The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015
The period for the exercise of public rights commences on the 18 June 2021 and will conclude at 5pm on the 29 July 2021.
The following documents will be made available:
- The Draft Statement of Accounts
- The Annual Governance Statement
- The Narrative Report
The Council’s accounts are subject to external audit by Hassan Rohimun of Ernst and Young, No. 1 Colmore Square, Birmingham B4 6HQ.
- From 5pm on 18 June 2021 to 5pm on 29 July 2021 any person may inspect the accounting records of the Council for the financial year to 31 March 2021 and certain related documents (comprising books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts) at the address given below. They may also request copies of the accounts and documents.
- From 5pm on 18 June 2021 to 29 July 2021 at the request of a local government elector, the local auditor must give the elector, or any representative of the elector, an opportunity to question the auditor about the accounting records of the Council.
- From 5pm on 18 June 2021 until the conclusion of the audit process a local government elector for the area of the Council or their representative may object to the Council’s accounts asking that the auditor issue a report in the public interest or apply for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful under section 28 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. Written notice of the proposed objection and the grounds on which it is made must be sent to the auditor at the address given above and also copied to the Council at the address given below.
Jayne Pickering
Deputy Chief Executive
Wychavon District Council
Civic Offices
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Pershore WR10 1PT
Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council are recommended, pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to produce a modern slavery and human trafficking statement.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 defines slavery as:
- a person holds another person in slavery or servitude and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is held in slavery or servitude, or
- the person requires another person to perform forced or compulsory labour and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is being required to perform forced or compulsory labour.
The Act defines Human Trafficking as:
- a person commits an offence if the person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person with a view exploiting that person.
- a person is exploited if one or more of the following apply in relation to the person - slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour.
What are we doing?
We are committed to improving our practices to combat slavery and human trafficking. As part of Local Government, we recognise that we have a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. In addition to our responsibility as an employer, we also acknowledge we have a duty as District Councils to notify the Secretary of State of suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking as introduced by section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
We are absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our corporate activities and to ensure our supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
Malvern Hills District Council has a five year plan (2020-2025) which identifies three strategic priorities: Our Communities; Our Economy and Our Environment.
Key action that covers the prevention of slavery and tackling human tracking includes but is not limited to: Work with partners to reduce the crimes most affecting our district through supporting communities, delivering education and awareness campaigns, coordinating community days of action, property marking events and road safety campaigns across the district.
Wychavon District Council’s Strategic Plan (2020-2024) which also identifies three priorities: Supporting People; Strong Economy and Places; and Sustainable Environment.
Key action that covers the prevention of slavery and tackling human trafficking includes but is not limited to: Work with partners to reduce the crimes most affecting our district through supporting communities, delivering education campaigns, coordinating community days of action and awareness campaigns on cyber-crime, domestic abuse and road safety.
We also put personal integrity, honesty and respect for others along with recognising the diversity and equality of individuals at the core of our overall values.
Through the above, we firmly put community leadership at the heart of everything we do and therefore are committed to the various elements supporting this overall vision which include combating slavery and human trafficking.
Organisational Structure:
This statement covers the full activities of Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council and its organisational structures.
Our Supply Chains:
We purchase goods and services under robust contract procedure rules which include a commitment to ethical purchasing and equality and diversity in procurement.
We expect all suppliers to adhere to the same principles and would always aim to ensure that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of its business.
We recognise that we all have a responsibility to be alert to the risks, however small, in our business and in the wider supply chain.
We have identified the Director of Housing and Communities as the single point of contact for council officers to report any concerns or suspicions that may arise as they carry out their day to day activities. The Director of Housing and Communities also has a duty to report relevant matters to the Home Office.
To date we have not identified or been notified of any slavery or human trafficking activities in our supply chain or in any part of the business. If we did become aware of such issues we would act immediately.
Although we have robust processes in place we remain committed to improving all aspects of its business and further actions proposed include:
- The provision of awareness through communication and training – to both officers and elected members
- Ensuring specifications include a commitment from suppliers to support the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
- Not awarding contracts where suppliers do not demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in their own business or supply chains
- An on-going commitment and expectations from officers to be included in future revisions to our contract procedure rules and financial regulations
- Protection of whistle blowers.
Cllr. Sarah Rouse
Leader of Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Vic Allison
Chief Executive
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Cllr. Bradley Thomas
Leader of Council
Wychavon District Council
Domestic abuse support
In this section
We believe that Domestic Abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.
We commit to a survivor led approach. This means that survivor views and experiences will inform the service they receive, and they will be able to exercise choice and control.
Domestic Abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
Look for the signs of domestic abuse
These are just some of the signs someone may be being abused:
- being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
- having bruises, burns or bite marks
- having finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food or pay bills
- not being allowed to leave the house, or being stopped from going to college or work
- having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails, or letters
- being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- being pressured into sex
- being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting
See more signs to look for on the Government's website
Safeguarding Laws
Clare’s Law (formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in England)
DVDS is a police-run scheme that lets you, or any member of the public formally request or receive usually confidential information about a romantic partner’s criminal history.
This might be a current partner who you are worried might have been abusive in the past. It can also be an ex-partner you are no longer involved with but believe may be a threat to your safety.
You can make a DVDS application if you believe you are personally at risk of abuse or are concerned on behalf of a close friend or relative.
Under Clare’s Law you have two rights: to ask, and to know
1- The ‘right to ask’ means that you can make a DVDS application to ask about a current or ex-partner that you think might have a record of abusive behaviour or violence. Any information that the police share with you about a partner is called ‘disclosure’.
You can also ask on behalf of a close friend or relative, who you think might be at risk from their current or former partner. However, you may not necessarily receive any disclosure depending on who you are. The police may decide it is more appropriate to share with your loved one directly, or with someone who is more able to protect their safety.
2- The ‘right to know’ means that if police checks show that your current or ex-partner has a history of abusive behaviour, they may proactively share that information with you because they believe you are at future risk.
Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application
Sarah's Law
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:
- has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
- poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason
It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.
If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.
What to do if you are being abused and you need help
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I am experiencing Honour Based abuse and want to know how to get help.
Karma Nirvana provides advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. View Karma Nirvana - honour based violence advocacy website 0800 599 247.
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I am in a forced marriage and want to know how to leave.
The forced marriage survivors handbook provides useful and practical information to help you take control of your life and focus on the future. View the forced marriage survivors handbook
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I am being stalked and I want to know where I can get help.
Women's aid have created a stalking leaflet which provides more information including how to stay safe. View leaflet on the Women's aid website
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I am from the LGBT+ community and am experiencing Domestic Abuse.
Galop has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse. Find out more on the Galop website.
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I have been the victim of a criminal offence and want to know what support is out there.
Victim Support have created a leaflet which details support. View Victim Support leaflet
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I am a perpetrator of Domestic Abuse and would like some support to change my behaviour.
Respect.uk have revised their guidance. View guidance on the Respect website
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I am an older person and am experiencing Domestic Abuse.
Age UK have been working to highlight that domestic abuse can happen at any age. View information on Age UK website
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I am from the Traveller community and want support from someone who understands my culture.
Traveller Movement provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse within the traveller community. View more information on the Traveller Movement website
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I would like legal advice, so I know my rights.
If you are suffering from Domestic Abuse and need someone to talk to for advice, Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright has a designated Domestic Abuse Team led by Suzanne Oldnall.
Suzanne and her team provide legal advice and support including emergency protection orders in relation to both adults and children in Worcester, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Redditch, Evesham and surrounding areas of Worcestershire.
They also have a Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre at Haswell House, St Nicholas, Monday - Friday 9:30am -12pm.
Contact us
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
Wychavon & Malvern Hills provide a 24/7 service and will help you to flee in an emergency. We have out of hours contact details that you can call at any time outside of working hours.
In working hours, you can contact the Housing Options Team on 01386565000 (option 5).
Hide your tracks
Your computer stores a lot of information about the websites you visit, as well as any other online activities. If there is a possibility that someone may check or monitor your computer then it may be better to use an alternative computer, in a library, at a friend’s house or an internet café.
Deleting your browsing history will remove the most obvious traces of this website from your computer, however it is still possible to find data elsewhere.
More information about how to hide your browser history and manage cookies - View the About Cookies website.
Communications Team
For media and press enquiries:
Please e-mail
Communications Team
Ian Dipple - Head of Communications -
Key responsibilities: Ian leads media liaison, corporate communications, marketing solutions and advertising. He also looks after WYCHAVON – our residents' magazine, branding, reputation management, plain English advice and overall management of the Communications Team. Ian also manages external clients who buy graphics, web and marketing support from us.
Katie Hewitt-Brake - Marketing and Communications Officer -
Key responsibilities: Katie leads on strategic communications and marketing support across the council. She develops and delivers communications campaigns, manages media relations, internal and external communications, and advises services on resident engagement and publicity. Katie works directly with Jayne Pickering, Deputy Chief Executive.
Cleo Spence - Web Content Officer
Key responsibilities: Cleo is the lead for the website. She manages content, reviewing and structuring content based on analytics, SEO and our brand and style guidelines.
Vicki Wadley and Gemma Lewis - Graphic Designers
Key responsibilities: Vicki, Gemma and Jess provide creative and innovative design solutions for promotional materials and place the majority of Wychavon's advertising. They also ensure our brand guidelines are upheld and co-ordinate the printing of work. They also provide branding and design solutions for external clients.
pdf
View our WychDesign portfolio.
(4.88 MB)