To update the Committee as to the operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.

The Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer introduced the report. The following principal points were noted.

·       The Committee reviewed and approved the existing Whistleblowing Policy on 23 June 2023, and it is not considered at this time to require any further updates.

·       Five disclosures had been received in2024/25.

·       A typographical error at paragraph 10 of the report was highlighted and should have read “three of the five disclosures did not relate to the Council “

·       The other two disclosures made in that year, were investigated in full by the directors in the relevant departments. Both disclosures did have substance and were valid. Recommendations were made by the investigation officers in relation to process, policy and training. It was confirmed that the corrective action had since been implemented by the relevant departments.

·       Five disclosures had been received in 2025/26.

·       Investigations into two disclosures were ongoing.

·       One disclosure had been investigated in full by the manager and director and no findings had been made.

·       The final two disclosures were on hold and with the persons raising the concern.

In response to committee questions, it was noted:

1.     As part of the outcomes process the department would follow up any disclosure with the whistle-blower. The whistle-blower in this instance was part of the department and were therefore aware of the investigation and aware that their concerns had been listened to and upheld.

2.     The frequency on reporting to the committee on whistleblowing was not specified in the constitution however the Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer with agreement from the committee would continue to provide a yearly update.

Resolved

The committee noted the report.