Issue - meetings

Resolved:

To adopt the revised Whistleblowing Policy for staff set out in Appendix 1.

That the Whistleblowing Policy for staff is presented to the Governance and Audit Committee at the first opportunity in order to receive observations on the recommended procedure.

To complete a review of the existing arrangements to enable Councillors to raise concerns, including an independently where necessary, and that the review is carried out in partnership with the Protect organisation and in consultation with Councillors. ⁠

The report was submitted by Cllr Llio Elenid Owen

DECISION

Resolved:

That the Cabinet adopts the amended Whistleblowing Policy for staff seen in Appendix 1.

That the Whistleblowing Policy for staff is presented to the Governance and Audit Committee at the first opportunity in order to receive observations on the recommended procedure.

To complete a review of the existing arrangements to enable Councillors to raise concerns, including independently where necessary, and that the review is carried out in partnership with the Protect organisation and in consultation with Councillors.  

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the report summarised the work that had been achieved to review the Policy and whistleblowing arrangements for Council staff. ⁠ It was stated that the policy strengthened the practical arrangements for identifying the potential causes of whistleblowing and the potential pathways for dealing with those concerns.

It was reported that the next steps, should the Policy be adopted, would be to implement a comprehensive communication plan that would raise awareness of the policy amongst all of the Council's workforce.

It was confirmed that a training plan would also be put in place, which would be tailored for different cohorts of the workforce.

Attention was drawn to the fact that the Governing Bodies of every school were responsible to adopt employment policies, including the Whistleblowing Policy. It was mentioned that the Council had a role when ensuring that the County's schools had a suitable policy and arrangements in place as well.

It was highlighted that a staff Whistleblowing Policy was being submitted before the Cabinet, and reference was made to a decision at the last Response Board meeting, which was the need to look at a Whistleblowing Policy for elected members also.

The decision sought was adapted as a result of the feedback from recent Scrutiny Committees.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       This Policy was welcomed, and the adaptation was supported.

·       The support from the Response Board to have separate guidelines for councillors was highlighted, and it was noted that this adaptation would strengthen the protection for councillors.

·       It was stated that the Government had published a model policy for school Governors, and that the Council would ask every school to adopt that policy, which was suitable for schools.

·       Whistleblowing processes in terms of the general public were mentioned, and it was explained that there was a mechanism in place to receive concerns from the public. It was added that further work was to be done to raise the public's awareness of those arrangements.

·       The importance of raising awareness of the Policy was emphasised as well as foster a culture within the Council where staff felt confident to whistleblow.

·       It was highlighted that this Policy would be discussed at a session with Council managers and team leaders, and that it was an opportunity to raise awareness and embed that culture. 

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