Introduction
information on our whistleblowing policy and how to make a whistleblowing report
Our whistleblowing policy
Please visit the pages within the 'in this section' area to find out more information. The full policy and accompanying procedure is available below.
View whistleblowing policy and procedure
People working for and with the Council, and its Councillors, are often the first to realise that there may be something seriously wrong within the Council or the services that it commissions. However, they may not feel confident concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or to the Council. Employees may also fear harassment or victimisation.
The Council is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability. In line with that commitment, we encourage all employees, Councillors, and those we work in partnership with to come forward and voice concerns about any aspect of the Council's work. We emphasise that employees can do so without fear of reprisals. The earlier concerns are raised, the easier it is to take action and deal with the matter.
What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is the raising of a significant concern. The concern does not have to be proved accurate by the whistleblower, but must be genuinely suspected.
Significant concerns may cover many issues. Examples may include following:
- A criminal offence may have been, or seems likely to be, committed;
- Breach or disregard for legislation, particularly relating to health & safety;
- Suspected fraud;
- Malpractice or ill treatment of a client/customer;
- Breach of Standing Orders, Policies or Codes of Conduct;
- Showing undue favour over a contractual matter or to a job applicant;
- Concealing information on any of the above.
In all cases, whistleblowers should make a report if they think it would be in the public interest for the conduct to be corrected and (if appropriate) sanctions applied.
Your Safeguards as a Whistleblower
The Council’s Procedure:
- ensures that legal protections for whistleblowers are maintained;
- makes clear that it will not tolerate any harassment or victimization of individuals making whistleblowing disclosures;
- sets out how the Council will seek to preserve the confidentiality of the whistleblower if this is requested;
- explains how the Council will deal with confidential information provided in the course of a whistleblowing report;
- explains how the Council will deal with untrue allegations (made in good faith or otherwise); and
- explains how whistleblowers may withdraw allegations, and how the Council will deal with this.
More information on these safeguards is available on our your safeguards as a whistleblower page.