Whistleblowing policy and procedure

If you have concerns about what is happening at work, report it.

Do your concerns relate to the safety of children and young people, safety of vulnerable adults, unlawful conduct, financial malpractice, dangers to the public or the environment, or avoidable losses? Then come forward and voice your concerns.

You can assist the council in ensuring the safety of our residents and minimising the risk of avoidable losses from error, mismanagement, and dishonesty.

Lambeth Council will not tolerate malpractices, abuse, and wrongdoing at work. 

The policy

The Council is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity, and accountability. In line with that commitment the Council encourages its employees and others with serious concerns about any aspect of the Council’s work to come forward and voice their concerns. 

This Whistleblowing Policy (the Policy) has been developed in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and provides a framework for employees to raise concerns that are in the public interest, in-house’ and without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination, or disadvantage. 

Aims of the policy

This Policy aims to:

  • encourage staff to feel confident about raising concerns and to question and act on those concerns
  • provide a way for staff to raise concerns and receive appropriate feedback on any action taken.
  • confirm that all concerns raised will be examined and the council will assess what action should be taken
  • reassure staff that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in the public interest in accordance with this procedure; and
  • provide ways for staff to take the matter further if dissatisfied with the Council’s response

What does the policy cover?

This Policy is intended to cover serious concerns that may fall outside the scope of other procedures, and include the following:

  • A criminal offence has been committed or is likely to be committed   
  • A miscarriage of justice
  • Conduct that endangers the health and safety of other employees and/or members of the public 
  • Safeguarding of children and young people and vulnerable adults
  • Conduct that involves damage to the environment (e.g., pollution)
  • The unauthorised use of public funds (e.g., expenditure on improper use)
  • Possible bribery, fraud, and corruption in relation to the providing or receiving of Council services
  • Any conduct that is contrary to the Council’s Standing Orders or Policies (e.g., breach of Council or statutory codes of practice)

The above does not represent an exhaustive list of areas covered by this Policy. Any serious concerns that employees may have about any aspect of service provision or the conduct of officers or Members of the Council or others acting on behalf of the Council can be reported under this Procedure.

Who can use the policy?

The procedure applies to all council employees, contractors and suppliers including agency staff, residential home staff, builders, drivers, and those who provide services under contract to the council, such as care home workers.

You are encouraged to raise your concerns, if you:

  • make the disclosure in good faith.
  • believe that the information or any allegation is reasonably true.

Reporting your concerns 

Lambeth Council encourages you to raise any concerns that you have regarding safeguarding of children and young people and vulnerable adults, unlawful conduct, financial malpractices, potential dangers to customers, suppliers or to members of the public or the environment, or what you consider could be waste or other avoidable losses.

You should discuss your concern with your immediate line manager or their manager, or:

Anybody who has a whistleblowing concern about the children’s safeguarding services at any local authority can contact Ofsted’s Whistleblowing Team:

•     Call the hotline on 0300 1233155

•     Email at whistleblowing@ofsted.gov.uk , or

•     Write to WBHL, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store St, Manchester M1 2WD.

Be prepared to give as much detail as you can, including the reasons why you are particularly concerned. We recognise that you may not have all the information to support your concerns.

How will Lambeth Council respond?

Lambeth Council’s response will depend on the nature of the concern that has been raised. In all instances the council will:

  • record and acknowledge your concern and refer the matter for investigation within three days of receiving the report.
  • respect your confidentiality – your identity will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent.
  • assess your concerns to determine further action.
  • let you know what enquiries have been made.
  • tell you whether further investigations will be made and if not, why.
  • inform you of the outcome of the inquiry.
  •  

Depending on the nature of the issue raised, Lambeth Council may:

  • request more information or evidence from you.
  • investigate through an internal audit.
  • undertake disciplinary action.
  • launch an independent enquiry.
  • refer the matter to the police.

Can I take the matter further if I’m not satisfied?

In the first instance, we encourage all employees to raise their concern within Lambeth Council.

If you are unhappy with the process or outcome of an investigation you can contact one of the following:

Responsible officer

The Assistant Director of Internal Audit and Counter Fraud is responsible for the supervision and co-ordination of all fraud matters, including the maintenance and operation of this policy. A record of concerns raised, and the outcomes is maintained by counter fraud, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the whistleblowing procedures.

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