Issue - meetings

Members of the Committee heard from the Monitoring Officer who presented the report. Members were provided with a review of the whistleblowing activity for the period 2023 to 2024. It was noted that the Whistleblowing Policy allowed employees to raise concerns about the Council's operations without the risk of victimisation. In the outlined period, it was reported that no incidents had been raised. The Committee was requested to note the contents of the report and to continue receiving annual reports related to the use of the policy and any incidents which had occurred. For the Committee’s awareness, the Monitoring Officer informed Members that the Whistleblowing Policy was currently under review and would proceed to the Joint Staff Consultative Committee shortly, followed by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee. It was suggested that once the policy was considered and approved, it should be shared with the Governance and Audit Committee for noting purposes.

A Member of the Committee praised the report, acknowledging that the policy had been thoroughly reviewed, with significant staff involvement and considerable thought given to it. The Chairman concurred, emphasising the importance of staff involvement in ensuring ownership of the policy. The hope for future reviews was also expressed.

With no further comments or questions, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that 

a)    the contents of the report be noted; and

b)    annual reports in relation to the policy implementation and incidents continue to be received.