Agenda item

Report of the Director of Legal and Governance

5.1       The Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) submitted a report to the Committee.  Michele Hassen, HR Service Manager introduced the report which provided information on activity under the Whistleblowing Policy from December 2014 to the present date in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution. 

5.2       The report also recommended an amendment to the Policy and Procedure following feedback on its operation and relationship to the Redeployment Policy and informed the Committee of the ongoing support, training and development provided to the Contact Advisors by HR Senior Management Team.

5.3       Members of the Committee discussed the Policy at length and the HR Service Manager responded to questions from the Committee.  It was advised that the policy was aimed at Sheffield City Council employees and not employees from other companies carrying work out on the Council’s behalf.

5.4       Members of the Committee sought clarification around whether employees external to the Council, such as ‘Capita’ or ‘Amey’ would report any concerns direct to Sheffield City Council or to their respective employer.  The HR Service Manager advised that it would be expected that they would report any concerns direct to their line manager at the Council, however this could depend on the type of appointment. The HR Service Manager would look into the points raised and clarify this to the Committee as soon as possible.

5.5       There had been very few reports of ‘Whistleblowing’ since 2014; however some of the cases coming forward were dealt with through different processes.  The trade unions had been consulted with regarding the amendments to the Policy.

5.6       The Committee were advised that the aim was to re-promote the Policy to ensure that people were aware that a mechanism was in place to report any concerns.  New posters would be printed and distributed around the council buildings which included up to date contact details.

5.7       RESOLVED: That the Audit and Standards Committee:-

1)    Notes the information on the activity under the Whistleblowing Policy since December 2014;

2)    accepts the recommended changes to the Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure and its communication, pending clarification around who external employees working on behalf of the Council reported their concerns to; and

3)    notes the ongoing support, training and development offered to the Contact Advisors.