Whistleblowing policy (confidential reporting) - 1.0 Purpose and introduction

This Whistleblowing Policy is primarily for concerns where the public interest is at risk, which includes a risk to the wider public, customers, service users, contractors, staff or the Council itself. The policy seeks to ensure the highest standards of openness, honesty and accountability, enabling everyone to report appropriate concerns if they feel other reporting channels are not available.

It is not uncommon for anyone to have concerns from time to time regarding what is happening in their workplace. Usually, these concerns can be easily resolved through established reporting lines and relationships. However, when the concern feels serious because it is about a possible fraud, danger or malpractice that might affect you, those you work with or provide services to, or the Council itself, it can be difficult to know what to do.

If you have serious concerns, you may be worried about raising them. You may feel it is none of your business, or that it is only a suspicion, and you have no evidence. You may also feel that raising the matter would be disloyal to colleagues or the Council. You may decide to say something but are concerned that you may speak to the wrong person or raise the issue in the wrong way and be worried about consequences. This may lead you to believe it is best to keep it to yourself. 

The Council is committed to providing opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential in an environment that is reflective of the Seven Principles of Public Life. This policy supports individuals to embed these principles, encouraging people to be selfless, act with integrity, be objective and accountable. It encourages openness and honesty, requiring everyone to recognise their role as leaders in how they behave and treat others. This policy provides reassurance that it is safe and acceptable to speak up, to raise concerns at an early stage and in the right way.

This policy applies to everyone that works for the Council, whether that be full-time or part-time, directly or via an agency or as a volunteer. It is also for elected members, partners, contractors and service users (including their friends and families. If you have a whistleblowing concern, please let us know.

Some concerns may be covered by other policies. For example, if you wish to complain about your employment, one of the HR policies (Dignity at Work, Grievance etc.) may be the appropriate route.

Whilst this policy is also for partners and contractors, employees of those organisations should follow their whistleblowing policy unless for some reason you do not feel able to do so – in which case use this policy.

Service users, or their family and friends, who have a concern regarding an individual’s treatment, or the quality of care being received should consider reporting a safeguarding concern or raising a statutory social care complaint. 

• Statutory social care complaints can be made by emailing CustomerCareTeamSocialCare@walsall.gov.uk 
• Information regarding safeguarding please visit Walsall Safeguarding Partnership

Remember: If in doubt - raise it!