Confidential Reporting (Whistleblowing) Policy

This Policy encourages you to put your name to your allegation whenever possible. We will not reveal your name without your consent unless the law so requires, but we can't stop people trying to work out who you are.

You should bear in mind that concerns expressed anonymously are much less powerful because they are much harder to investigate. They will though be considered at the discretion of the Councils.

In exercising this discretion the factors to be taken into account would include:

• The seriousness of the issues raised;
• The credibility of the concern;
• The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources; and
• The possibility of victimisation from peers / colleagues that would be difficult to control.

But at the appropriate time, you may need to come forward as a witness, either in internal proceedings within the Councils or in a court. In those cases we may not be able to maintain your anonymity. It is a basic principle of human rights that a person should know who is accusing him or her. However, in those rare cases where you may be afraid of violence we will try to make arrangements to secure your personal safety. In appropriate cases we will enlist the help of the Police or victim support groups.