Employees are well positioned to know when something wrong is taking place within the Council or is a cause for concern. They may not express their concerns, however, because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or to the Council. They may also fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances, they may find it easier to ignore their concern rather than report the matter with a view to remedying the situation.

This Policy provides a framework for employees to raise concerns, that are in the public interest, ‘in-house’ and without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage.

The Council is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability. In line with that commitment the Council encourages employees and others with serious concerns about any aspect of the Council’s work to come forward and voice those concerns. The Council recognises that certain cases will have to proceed on a confidential basis so that the position of the ‘whistleblower’ can be protected. This Policy is intended to encourage and enable people to raise serious concerns within the Council rather than overlooking a problem or “blowing the whistle” outside.

This Policy has been the subject of consultation with the relevant trade unions and has their support.

Aims of this Policy