Decision details

Discussion:

The report sought agreement to review and replace the Council’s current Whistleblowing Policy. 

Councillor Carr, supported by Councillor Andrews, proposed the recommendation as set out in the report.

Councillor Griffiths, supported by Councillor Maple, moved the following amendment:

That the whistleblowing policy be amended to include the recommendations agreed at the Audit Committee, as per section 2.4, that staff can contact members to discuss concerns when all other channels had been exhausted.

In addition, the Chief Executive must contact Group Leaders when a whistleblowing complaint reaches that level, in order that members are briefed in advance of staff contacting the media with their concerns.

Therefore the new policy will read as follows, with the additions in italics:

14.             Taking your concern further

                  If you have exhausted all these channels and you still have concerns, or feel that the issues have not been fully or appropriately addressed, you can contact the Chief Executive, or have him contacted on your behalf, to discuss your concerns in confidence.  At this point, you may also raise your concerns with elected members.

15.             Contacting the media

                  If a worker is considering contacting the press, they are strongly advised to seek guidance from professional of other representative bodies and to discuss the matter where possible with line and professional managers.  If you decide to proceed with contacting the media, you must inform the Chief Executive of the action you have taken or are proposing to take and the Chief Executive will brief Group Leaders on the matter.

With the agreement of the meeting and Councillor Andrews, as supporter, Councillor Carr, in accordance with rule 10.4.2 of the Council Rules, agreed to alter the substantive motion to include this amendment.

Decision:

The Council agreed the Whistleblowing Policy as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, subject to the following amendments:

(a)               The following words being added to the end of the first paragraph of section 14, taking your concern further; “at this point, you may also raise your concerns with elected member".

(b)               The following words being added to the end of the first paragraph of section 15, contacting the media, “and the Chief executive will brief Group Leaders on the matter”.