Agenda item - Governance: Whistleblowing Update

Report of the Interim Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached)

82.1    The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources on Whistleblowing. The report provided an update on progress and future actions proposed to improve co-ordination of effort and improve understanding both within the organisation and by customers.   The report was presented by the Council’s Risk Management Lead.

82.2    Councillor Littman noted the proposal to transfer the responsibility for maintaining and holding the Register of Whistleblowing allegations, from Internal Audit to the Head of Legal & Democratic Services and asked why that had been proposed. The Head of Legal & Democratic Services said that at the moment not all the whistleblowing allegations were being captured as they were being caught up with other audit work, and following discussions by the Executive Leadership Team, it had been suggested that the Register be held by Legal & Democratic Services.

82.3    Councillor Wealls asked if the Committee members would be advised of what action was taken on allegations made. Head of Legal & Democratic Services said that the intention was to provide an annual report providing that information.

82.4    RESOLVED:

(1)  That the Committee agreed in principle to the proposed changes to the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy & Procedure.

(2)  That the Committee noted that a report would be made to the 23 June 2015 Committee to recommend to Full Council to approve the proposed changes to Whistleblowing Policy.