Decision details

To consider the Whistleblowing Policy and recommend to Council for approval.

The committee considered the report which provided an overview of the use of the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy during 2023-24 and proposals for the review and refresh of the Policy. The committee welcomed the proposed refresh of the policy which was felt to be urgent and fundamental to the improvement of the council.

Members provided feedback to assist with the development of the revised policy, as summarised below:

·       Clear timeline of the consultation / policy development process to be provided.

·       Emphasis needed in relation to anonymity of individuals.

·       Brighter Futures and Transformation Programme works to be taken into consideration (including health-check on current staff morale/the 10 areas identified for improvement following the Corporate Peer Review and the impact this subsequently had upon staff/acting up arrangements).

·       Appropriate levels of engagement and consultation with members in the development of the new policy was important.

·       Clarity around the process for Elected Members involved in a Whistleblowing complaint was needed (who should be approached, steps that should be taken and how information should be handled/shared). 

It was proposed, seconded and subsequently carried that approx. 1-3 members of the Audit and Governance Committee be more directly involved in the review and development of the revised policy.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Audit and Governance Committee

1.    Note the use of the Council’s whistleblowing arrangements during 2023/24.

2.    Endorse the proposals for reviewing and refreshing the Whistleblowing Policy, offering involvement to up to three members of the audit and governance committee in the review process.