Whistleblowing (report wrongdoing by council staff)
We are committed to the highest possible standards of openness and accountability.
Our whistleblowing policy ensures anyone can report a council officer who they suspect of wrongdoing or malpractice. The policy gives protected disclosure, meaning people can raise concerns in confidence, without fear of harassment, reprisal or disadvantage.
The wrongdoing can apply to:
- our employees
- elected Members
- any contractors, agency staff, suppliers or consultants in the course of their work for us
We fully investigate all whistle blowing complaints that we receive, and take appropriate actions.
The types of issues that you might want to report as whistleblowing include:
- breaches of a legal obligation
- corruption or fraud
- a miscarriage of justice
- a danger to the health or safety of any individual or damage to the environment
- abuse of power or authority
- failure to comply with professional standards, council policies or codes of practice
You can only use our whistleblowing procedure to report our staff or others working for the council.
You should not use this procedure to:
- make a complaint about a council service
- complain about a Councillor
- report benefit fraud
- report safeguarding concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults
- report any other wrongdoing by third parties, including neighbours, organisations or companies
To submit a report, you will need:
- your name, address and contact details, unless you want make your report anonymously
- to tell us whether or not you want us to treat the report anonymously
- the name of the individual you are complaining about
- details of the complaint
- the dates the action occurred
- a detailed description of the whistleblowing complaint
- the names and contact details of any witnesses
- to tell us how you want us to resolve your complaint
Once we receive your report, we will:
- acknowledge it within five working days of receiving it
- assess it within five days, and decide what actions we need to take to deal with it
- keep you informed of any steps we intend to take, including the timescales
- inform you of the outcome