To review and agree changes to the council’s whistleblowing policy.

With the agreement of the committee, the chairperson used his discretion to move this report to the next agenda item.

The solicitor to the council presented the report.  

The policy had been revised in 2017 and it was appropriate at this stage to undertake a review of the way the scheme worked and what changes could be made to clearer to understand.    Internal audit and the solicitor to the council were notified whenever whistleblowing occurred to ensure that there was corporate oversight. 

A member of the committee indicated that they had tried to read the policy from the view of a concerned person and whilst the policy may be legally correct, this was an opportunity to make it more user friendly for those desiring to whistle blow.   It was noted that other public sector organisations did have a policy which appeared to be more user friendly.  There was also a need to consider external involvement.   It was also noted that the document was legally correct and that it was good practice to have a whistleblowing policy but not a legal requirement.   It was noted that the NHS was required to have a whistleblowing policy.

The solicitor to the council explained that prior to 2017 there had been a low number of concerns raised and they were not formally recorded.    The policy had increased the numbers and when it is promoted it, it is fresh in the minds of members of staff. 

It was acknowledged that the policy was not clear as to who could use the policy and Hoople were used as an example.   The solicitor to the council confirmed that Hoople could use the policy. 

It was agreed to defer this item to the October meeting and that a working group comprising Councillor Nigel Shaw and Councillor Peter Jinman be formed.   The purpose of the working group would be to look at the revised draft document prepared by the solicitor to the council.

RESOLVED that:

(a)   the whistleblowing policy be deferred until the audit and governance committee in October 2020;

(b)   A working group comprising of Councillor Nigel Shaw and Councillor Peter Jinman be set up; and

(c)   The purpose of the working group would be to review revisions to the policy drafted by the solicitor to the council.