Agenda item

Kath Nicholson, Head of Law and Monitoring Officer introduced the report and

explained the proposed revised Whistle blowing policy followed a request

from the Committee at its last meeting that it be fundamentally reviewed.

It was explained that the proposed policy followed a review of the policies of a

number of other local authorities both in and outside of London by the Head of

Law.

It was explained that the whistle blowing policy is intended to be used as a

supplement to other avenues of complaint where such procedures would not

enable matters to be investigated.

Under the revised policy it was proposed that any serious concerns a

complainant may have about any aspect of service provision, the conduct of

officers, members or others acting on behalf of the Council be reported under

the policy. However where there are more appropriate channels for

investigation the Monitoring Officer will direct the complainant to that channel.

It was further explained that the proposed policy will require the Head of Law

or her deputy to personally conduct an initial review of all complaints .This will

enable her to be in a position to advise whether the complaint should be

investigated and if so how, with potential timescales.

A further proposed change to the existing policy was the introduction of a

requirement to notify complainants and to keep them regularly informed where

an investigation was not likely to be completed within the expected 28 day

period.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the written comments received from

an absent Independent member suggesting that updates on the progress of

an investigation should be appropriately determined dependent on the nature

of the complaint and required investigation. It was agreed that updates be

provided normally within 28 days and thereafter every 3 months.

It was further explained that as a management tool a register and spread

sheet of referrals be introduced and regularly monitored to ensure that all

referrals are dealt with in the most timely and appropriate manner.

It was suggested that a step by step guide (flowchart) be considered for

inclusion in the revised policy.

It was further suggested that at paragraph 7.1 the Head of Law’s contact

details should be inserted.

The Committee expressed particular interest in the publicity of the revised

policy. The Head of Law confirmed that she would have discussions with the

Head of Communications ensuring that there is clarity on the Council’s

website as to the policy and its application. It was also suggested and agreed

that the revised policy be placed on the Council’s intranet.

The Head of Law also confirmed that she would be providing training to all

service heads on the revised policy with the expectation that this is then

cascaded throughout the Council. In the future as well as reporting to the

Standards Committee, the annual report will also be submitted to the

Council’s Executive Management Team to ensure the highest officer level

support.

The Committee was also informed that a briefing on the whistleblowing policy

also formed part of the Council’s induction arrangements. 

RESOLVED that  the proposed amended whistleblowing policy appearing at

Appendix 2 and the measures for its operation set out in the report be agreed.