Employees and Members are often the first to realise that there may be something seriously wrong within the Authority.
However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or to the Authority. They may also fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances it may be easier to ignore the concern rather than report what may just be a suspicion of malpractice.
The Authority is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability. In line with that commitment we expect Members, employees and others that we deal with, who have serious concerns about any aspect of the Authority’s work to come forward and voice those concerns. It is recognised that most cases will have to proceed on a confidential basis.
This policy document makes it clear that you can do so without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage.
This Confidential Reporting Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and Members to raise serious concerns within the Authority rather than overlooking a problem or ‘blowing the whistle’ outside.