A STRATEGY

TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES FROM TOBACCO INDUSTRY

VESTED INTERESTS IN KENT

Methodology of work

• The initial phase of the work included on-site interviews with selected departments key employees and key members,

• mapping departments and activities that fall under the remit of Article 5.3

• and a review and analysis of the most relevant existing policies and activities for compliance with the article 5.3 and its guidelines.

• It was conducted between 5th and 12th January 2015.

Documents reviewed

• The Kent Code issued by HR, July 2010, • KCC Anti-Fraud and Corruption strategy, • Kent council financial regulations, • Expenses guidance , policy and procedure, • Corporate grant procedures relating to the receipting and awarding of grants by KCC, • Drugs and alcohol policy, • Kent Joint Health and wellbeing strategy 2014-2017, • The Constitution of Kent Council, • Member & Officer Codes of Conduct,• Information & Data , • The Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency, • Financial Regulations, • Whistle Blowing Policy, • Member & Officer Registers of personal interests,

Interviews Duration Date Time Representing Delegated officers:

1 1 hour 6th January 4pm-5pm Environmental Health Officers and District Authority

Jane Heeley – Chief Environmental Health Officer Tonbridge & Malling Council

2 1 hour 7th January 12-1pm Director and Member Graham Gibbens – KCC Cabinet MemberAndrew Scott-Clark – Interim Director of Public HealthJoined by other 2 members ( check with Debbie for positions and name of second person)Geoff.Lymer

3 1 hour 7th January 1pm-2pm Corporate Policy Mark Lemon – Strategic Business Adviser

4 1 hour 7th January 2pm- 3pm Public Health Wayne Gough – Public Health CampaignsAndrew Bose

5 1.5 hours 8th January 10am-11.30am (Karen only staying until 11am)

Public Health Deborah Smith – Public Health SpecialistKaren Sharp – Public Health CommissioningClare Maynard- KCC Procurement

6 1 hour 8th January 1pm-2pm Trading Standards Mark Rolfe – Trading Standards Manager

7 1 hour 7th January KCHT SSS Provider Vimbai Egaru – Head of Health Improvement , Kent Stop Smoking ServicesRay Farmer – Kent Stop Smoking Services

Summary findings

• KCC is clearly committed to progress with 5.3 implementation this work

• There is no major obstacles apart from the nervousness linked to the pension fund issue

• KCC is keen to work in parallel / collaboratively with other counties especially in the context of the signature of the TC declaration conducted by ASH ( both processes need to be clearly identified)

Summary findings

• Overt major tobacco industry interference or activity has not been found

• There may be covert tobacco industry interference that is not yet been identified

• KCC council employees and Members are not currently adequately knowledgeable nor equipped to identify tobacco industry interference

Summary findings

• Trading standards need particular attention as more vulnerable to tobacco industry interference

• A major effort should be undertaken to raise awareness of the FCTC obligations, article 5.3 and its guidelines, tobacco industry tactics and strategies

• The investigation into the pension fund investment in tobacco needs a separate process

Summary findings

• A number of useful policies, instruments, guidance and systems are already in place which could help with the implementation of article 5.3

• Given the lack of specific reference to the tobacco industry in these tools different options need to be considered on the best way forward to implement recommendations ( either through a single policy covering all aspects or revision of existing instruments, policies, systems)

NEXT STEPS

• Develop a strategy with focus on:

– Raising awareness on tobacco industry tactics, strategies, front groups,

– Developing simple tools and systems ( guidance tools, information , checklists, focal point for info sharing)

– Revising /amending existing policy, codes, policy – Developing and disseminating clear

statement/policy