Purpose

To adopt the redrafted Whistleblowing Policy
(“the Policy”) by Cabinet Member decision - as the
relevant Cabinet Member to make decisions pursuant to Part 3
Section C of the Constitution.

Content

I confirm adoption of the amended
Whistleblowing Policy.   
 
This decision was published on 3 July 2025 and
will come into effect on 11 July 2025. 

Reasons for the decision

The redrafted Policy
contains additional provisions to cover where concerns are raised
by members of the public and where these do not fall within the
Council’s Complaints process or any other applicable
policy.
 
The amendments to the
current Whistleblowing Policy are designed to make it clear that
the initial assessment of the concern can be carried out by either
the Council or the Council may ask another body (e.g. SWAP) to
carry it out - however, there is a requirement that where a
decision is made for the initial assessment to be carried out
internally by the Council, SWAP will be notified of the initial
assessment.  

Alternative options considered

Whilst the existing
Policy did give reasonable assurance it was due for review and
needed to be streamlined and redrafted.
 
The Policy itself
states that it must be regularly reviewed in line with future
changes and developments and at least every two years. The previous
review took place in 2022.