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 5 th and 12 th 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 , 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 DurationDateTimeRepresentingDelegated officers: 11 hour6th January4pm-5pm Environmental Health Officers and District Authority Jane Heeley – Chief Environmental Health Officer Tonbridge & Malling Council 21 hour7th January12-1pmDirector and Member Graham Gibbens – KCC Cabinet Member Andrew Scott-Clark – Interim Director of Public Health Joined by other 2 members ( check with Debbie for positions and name of second person) Geoff.Lymer 31 hour7th January1pm-2pmCorporate PolicyMark Lemon – Strategic Business Adviser 41 hour7th January2pm- 3pmPublic Health Wayne Gough – Public Health Campaigns Andrew Bose 51.5 hours8th January 10am-11.30am (Karen only staying until 11am) Public Health Deborah Smith – Public Health Specialist Karen Sharp – Public Health Commissioning Clare Maynard- KCC Procurement 61 hour8th January1pm-2pmTrading Standards Mark Rolfe – Trading Standards Manager 71 hour7th January KCHT SSS ProviderVimbai Egaru – Head of Health Improvement, Kent Stop Smoking Services Ray 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