Whistleblowing policy (confidential reporting)

What is whistleblowing?

A whistleblowing report can be made when a relevant person reports suspected wrongdoing or dangers in relation to the Council’s activities. Please see the guidance regarding who can make a report for further details. 

For the purpose of this policy, whistleblowers may make reports in relation to areas including: 

  • criminal activity;
  • failure to comply with any legal or professional obligation or regulatory requirements; 
  • miscarriages of justice;
  • danger to health and safety;
  • damage to the environment;
  • bribery;
  • breach of the Council’s internal policies and procedures;
  • conduct likely to damage the Council’s reputation or financial wellbeing;
  • unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.

Personal grievances (for example bullying and discrimination) are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless your concern relates to a matter of wider public interest. These should be reported by employees under the Council's employee resolution procedures and not as whistleblowing reports. 

Who is the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy for? 

The Council’s Whistleblowing Policy applies to all employees and workers (including those designated as casual, temporary, authorised volunteers or individuals gaining work experience), and contractors on Council premises (including agency staff, builders, and drivers). 

It also covers suppliers and those providing services under a contract with the Council in their own premises. While the Council is only able directly to protect its own employees and workers from victimisation, it will consider taking reasonable steps to protect any person who raises a relevant whistleblowing concern with the Council. Reasonable steps to support non-employees could include making representations to third parties to emphasise their legal duties to protect a whistleblower. 

The Council recognises that statutory whistleblowing protection is only afforded to the Council’s employees and workers. While this policy is primarily for use by employees, if necessary it may also be used by others connected with the Council. 

However, this policy is not intended for use by members of the public. Members of the public concerned about service delivery or other aspects of council activity should raise a complaint through the Council’s complaints procedures. 

How do I make a report?

You can use the Council’s Whistleblowing report form. Further guidance on making a report is available within the online form. 

Will I be protected from being victimised as a result of submitting a report? 

The Council is committed to openness and transparency. The Council aims to create an environment in which all employees feel confident and able to raise concerns quickly and effectively. 

We recognise that the decision to report a concern can be a difficult one to make. We aim to protect those with a genuine and reasonable belief in their concerns and where it is in the public interest to act on those concerns. 

The Council will not tolerate any harassment or victimisation (including informal pressures) and will take appropriate action to protect those raising concerns under its whistleblowing policy. Any member of staff who harasses or victimises a whistleblower may not only be personally liable in law but may also be subject to disciplinary action. 

In all cases, the Council will comply with its legal duties under whistleblowing law. 

Who can I speak to for more guidance? 

You can speak to the Council’s Human Resources Duty Desk by calling 0115 977 4433 or emailing hrdutydesk@nottscc.gov.uk 

If you do not want to make a report to the Council and you feel it is right to take the matter to another body, you may wish to consider contacting one of the following bodies: 

If the matter is taken outside the Council, you should ensure that it is to one of these prescribed organisations. A public disclosure to the media or anyone else is likely to result in a whistleblower losing their protection under the Council’s policy as well as their statutory protection. 

It is important that information that is confidential to the Council or anyone else, such as a client or contractor of the Council, should be properly protected and not be disclosed, except to those included in the prescribed list of contacts. It is advised that advice is sought before reporting a concern externally. The independent whistle blowing charity, Protect operates a confidential hotline (020 3117 2520) and can provide advice as necessary. 

You may also wish to take your own independent legal advice.