The Interim Monitoring Officer presented a paper seeking the approval of the Committee in respect of the Council’s Whistle-blowing Protocol to be contained in its Constitution.
The adoption of a Whistle-blowing Protocol was an important element of the emerging Unitary Council’s approach to Corporate Governance. It would also enable compliance with indicators of local authority good governance and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 that require an annual governance statement be produced by local authorities and that arrangements are in place for whistle-blowing to which staff and all those contracting with the authority have access”.
In response to members’ questions the Interim Monitoring Officer advised that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 has been introduced to protect employees who expose serious wrongdoing in the workplace.
RESOLVED – to endorse the proposed Protocol and to note that, in view of its implications for staff, that there will be consultations with unions before the contents of the draft are finalised for recommendation to the Shadow Council.