Whistleblowing Policy
What is the service?
The Council's Whistleblowing Policy is designed to establish procedures for employees & other parties to raise concerns about malpractise in relation to the Council's activities.Further information is provided to assist should you need to raise a concern.Information
The Council's Whistleblowing Policy is designed to establish procedures for employees and other parties to raise concerns about malpractice (ie irregularity, wrongdoing or serious failure of standards at work) in relation to the Council's activities. In this context, concerns about malpractice may include possible corruption, dangerous procedures risking health and safety, abuse of clients, evasion of statutory responsibilities, damage to the environment or other unethical conduct.The aim of the Whistleblowing Policy is to:-
- provide avenues for you to raise concerns and receive feedback on action taken
- allow you to take the matter further if you are dissatisfied with the Council's response
- provide reassurance of protection from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith.
How to raise a concern:
1. Any concern should be made in writing.
2. The policy encourages you to put your name to the allegation.
3. Set out the background/history of the concern, giving names, dates, and places where possible and the reason why you are particularly concerned about the situation.
4. Forward your written concern to one of the following:-
- Chief Executive
- Executive Director (Corporate Services)
- Head of Finance
- Financial Services Manager
- Internal Audit section.
5. The address is:-
Stafford Borough Council
Civic Centre
Riverside
Stafford
ST16 3AQ
How the Council will respond:-
The Council will determine the appropriate course of action (ie internal investigation, referral to police, referral to external auditor, independent enquiry).
The Council will respond to you within 10 working days of the concern being received to:-
(a) acknowledge receipt.
(b) indicate proposals for dealing with the issue.
(c) estimated timescale.
(d) inform of any initial enquiries made.
(e) inform of any further investigations planned (and if not, why not).
The Council will notify you (subject to legal constraints) of the final outcomes.
How the matter can be taken further:-
The policy is designed to provide you with an avenue to raise concerns within the Council. However, if you feel the matter should be referred externally, the following are possible contact points:-
(a) your local Council member.
(b) the District Auditor (2nd Floor, No 1 Friarsgate, 1011 Stratford Road, Solihull, B90 4EB).
(c) the Police.
(d) relevant professional bodies or regulatory organisations.
(e) Public Concern at Work (for employees) 0207 404 6609.
For Further information -
Contact: Michelle MartinEmail: mmartin@staffordbc.gov.uk
Phone: 01785619252
Where is it in the Council?
Service Financial Services
Section Internal Audit