Issue - meetings

To update the Whistleblowing Policy for the Council and align the document so the Policy is the same across the S&ELCP (report of the Assistant Director, Governance enclosed).

The Scrutiny and Policy Officer introduced the updated Whistleblowing Policy. Members were informed that the policy had been reviewed as part of the partnership-wide alignment of governance documents, with the intention of ensuring consistent procedures for reporting concerns across all partner councils.

The Scrutiny and Policy Officer explained that the policy reflected statutory obligations under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and set out clear protections for workers making protected disclosures. Consultation had taken place with Internal Audit, the Monitoring Officer, Human Resources, the Senior Leadership Team, the Joint Consultative Committee and the Portfolio Holder. Members were advised that approval was sought for the revised policy, with delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to make minor updates in future.

The report was considered and the following issues were raised:

·         Members queried why councillors were not listed within the scope of the Whistleblowing Policy.

o   The Scrutiny and Policy Officer explained that councillors were not classed as workers for the purposes of whistleblowing legislation and therefore had alternative avenues for raising concerns. The policy applied specifically to workers, including employees, contractors, consultants and agency staff, whereas complaints about or by councillors would be addressed under separate governance processes and the councillor complaints policy.

·         Members asked whether the policy would be formally rolled out to officers and staff or whether it would simply replace the existing policy.

o   The Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed that, although the updated policy was similar to the previous version, there would be a coordinated internal communication exercise. This would include working with the Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to refresh staff awareness, highlight where policies could be accessed on the intranet, and ensure all officers were familiar with reporting routes and responsibilities.

AGREED:

1)    That the Whistleblowing Policy be approved; and

2)      That the Monitoring Officer be delegated to review and make minor amendments to the Whistleblowing Policy to reflect changes in legislation, statutory guidance or contact details.