Issue - meetings
Whistleblowing Policy
Meeting: 27/05/2025 - Audit and Governance Committee (Item 14)
14 Whistleblowing Policy 
PDF 538 KB
Summary/Purpose
To present the Audit and Governance Committee with an updated Whistle-Blowing Policy for approval.
To update and replace the existing Whistle-Blowing Policy to highlight key legislation and the roles and responsibilities of Members, Officers and other parties.
Recommendation
That the Committee resolves to:
1. Approve and adopt the Policy attached to this report.
2. Authorises the Monitoring Officer to approve future minor amendments to the Policy in consultation with the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, Legal Services and the Leader of the Council.
Additional documents:
- Final CDC Whistleblowing Policy April 2025, item 14
PDF 222 KB
- Whistle blowing flow chart, item 14
PDF 82 KB
- Whistleblowing Guidance, item 14
PDF 133 KB
- Webcast for Whistleblowing Policy
Minutes:
The Committee highlighted that a key factor in the success of any whistleblowing policy was guaranteeing anonymity for whistle-blowers. It was noted that fear of reprisals or disbelief often prevented individuals from coming forward, especially in sensitive cases, and that providing absolute reassurance was essential to encourage disclosures.
The Committee asked whether there was assurance that the policy was being used and that staff felt informed and safe to speak up. The Head of Service confirmed that whistleblowing allegations had been received and were handled appropriately. A recent internal campaign had been launched to promote the policy and support staff in coming forward.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer noted a minor but meaningful change in the whistleblowing policy, replacing the term “informer” with “whistle-blower.” This change was intended to reinforce a positive culture around whistleblowing, reassuring staff that raising concerns was a responsible and protected action and not an act of disloyalty. The update aimed to support a culture where whistleblowing was treated seriously and confidentially, reflecting the responsibility of all employees and managers.
RESOLVED: The Audit and Governance Committee APPROVED the recommendation to approve the Whistleblowing Policy and to authorises the Monitoring Officer to approve future minor amendments to the Policy in consultation with the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, Legal Services and the Leader of the Council.
Voting record:
For - 4, Against - 0, Abstentions - 0, Absent/Did not vote - 0