City Centre councillor Alasdair Rankin is backing moves to set up a new, independent service for Council whistleblowers.
If approved, as part of the scheme CEC staff who smell a rat will be able to contact an external helpline, run by the non-profit making charity Public Concern at Work. They could then voice concerns or ask for advice about suspected wrongdoing without fear of victimisation or recrimination.
‘Public Concern at Work will, with the permission of the caller, pass on any information to a delegated Council officer. They will also actively encourage the caller to release this information to the Council.’
At present, the proposal is for a one-year pilot project, building upon provisions which have existed under the Council's Public Interest Disclosure Policy since 2000. It would aim to make sure Council policy:
- is more accessible for those employees who wish to make a qualifying disclosure;
- is aligned to those areas of malpractice that qualify for protection in terms of the Public Disclosure Act (1998);
- clarifies arrangements where employees also have a right of recourse to alternative Council policies and procedures;
- clearly delineates those with responsibilities under the policy, including the introduction of the role of the Whistleblowing Officer;
- provides clarification on the role of the Monitoring Officer and that of Employees to ensure that responsibilities are clearly explained;
- clarifies the timescales for action on the part of the Whistleblowing Officer;
- simplifies the stages involved in dealing with a disclosure to ensure that those accountable for its operation know what is expected of them as matters progress;
- makes provision for a pilot external telephone support service known as a ‘Whistleblowing Helpline’.
‘The Capital Coalition has pledged to ensure we work in full partnership with Council staff and their representatives, and we will continue to do so to ensure all staff are engaged throughout this process.’
If voted through at next week’s Planning and Strategy Committee meeting (11 June), the plan – costed at £5,130 – will be put in place with the help of trade unions. Its use and success will then be assessed prior to expiry of the scheme with a report going to the Corporate Management Team with recommendations about possible continuation.
Bafflingly, part of a report on the proposal (attached below) speaks of unease in Council circles at the terminology's possible 'negative connotations':
'There is some disquiet at using the term "whistleblowing" because it may have negative connotations however we feel that this terminology is instantly recognisable given it is common parlance; does what it says on the tin; and also a survey of other local authorities confirms they too use this terminology.'
Where do any negative connotations reside here? In the wrongdoing? Surely that's exactly where they should be! In the blowing of whistles? (Is there someone in East Market Street with a dislike of referees?)
What do you think of the plan? Tell us by email spurtle@hotmail.co.uk on Facebook Broughton Spurtle or Twitter @theSpurtle
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Reaction
Ella Taylor-Smith @theSpurtle That's the problem -passing it onto an officer, rather than elected reps. Need elected reps to oversee council managers
@theSpurtle@EllaTasm Reporting to officers is a request for a witchhunt
@theSpurtle@EllaTasm report is akin to asking an employee to make a phone call to dignitas.
For an extended response by campaign group Kids not Suits, see Letters (10.6.13).