Whistleblowing

The Council is committed to the highest possible standards by being open, honest, and accountable. In line with that commitment, we expect employees, and others that we deal with, who have serious concerns about any aspect of the Council's work to come forward and voice those concerns.

It is recognised that most cases will have to proceed on a confidential basis without fear of victimisation, discrimination, or disadvantage.

What is a whistleblower

A whistleblower is usually a worker who reports certain types of wrongdoing. Often in the workplace but not always.

The wrongdoing reported must be in the public interest. This means it must affect others, for example, the general public.

Whistleblowers are protected by law – and should not be treated unfairly or lose a job because they ‘blow the whistle’.

You can raise a concern at any time about an incident that happened in the past, is happening now, or you believe will happen in the near future.

Who is protected by law

You’re protected if you’re a worker, for example, you’re:

• an employee, such as a police officer, NHS employee, office worker, factory worker
• a trainee, such as a student nurse
• an agency worker
• a member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Get independent advice if you’re not sure you’re protected, for example from Citizens’ Advice.

The council whistleblowing policy

The Council’s Whistleblowing Policy allows employees to raise serious concerns in confidence regarding a variety of issues for example

• fraud in the workplace
• discrimination
• sexual harassment
• a failure by the Council to comply with a legal obligation
• or behaviour likely to damage the Council’s reputation

How to raise an issue

Concerns should normally be raised with your manager or Director, but if this is not appropriate then there are other avenues available to you. Such as contacting

• Mark Hynes, Director of Governance and Law 
• Jamie Branch, Corporate Anti-Fraud Team Manager on 0208 496 4860

If you have any questions about the Policy, or you wish to raise an issue in confidence, please contact either Mark Hynes or Jamie Branch