Credit: Davie Bicker/Pixabay

A government unit dedicated to enforcing financial sanctions has invested in software to support its investigations and help whistleblowers safely disclose information through digital channels.

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation – which sits within HM Treasury – recently enterer into a two-year deal for access to technology from specialist firm Clue, which provides “investigation and intelligence management software”.

Newly published commercial documents reveal that the contract, which is worth £76,800, covers the provision of access to the technology for 22 people and the relevant training, as well as 20 days of professional services support in deploying the software.

Also included is the Clue product’s “whistleblower protection interface” which, according to the company’s website, “ensures that users can offer whistleblowing individuals the most secure channel for disclosure”.

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The tool uses an API to connect information submitted to the Clue case-management system. It allows “data [to be] submitted in raw format with option for confidentiality or complete anonymity… [and] ensures reports made in good faith qualify for protection under relevant public disclosure policies”, the site added.

The contract states that the Treasury requires an “intelligence-management system suitable for operational enforcement” and provides the ability for “complete intelligence submission, assessment and… dissemination management”. Users will also have access to regulator reports and analytics platforms – including visualisation tools.

Other functionality to be offered will include: “role-based access controls; management information dashboard and reports; comprehensive tasking and alerts capability linked to workflow; secure storage of digital attachments linked to records;… searching multiple data sources; risk management, internal audit, reporting and control; full audit trail of any amendments made on system;… [integration] with with other systems/data sources;… [and] personalised views to provide access to frequently used information”.

According to its GOV.UK website, OFSI “helps to ensure that financial sanctions are properly understood, implemented and enforced in the United Kingdom”.

“OFSI enables financial sanctions to make the fullest possible contribution to the UK’s foreign policy and national security goals,” it added. “It also helps to maintain the integrity of, and confidence, in the UK financial services sector.”