As a first step, you should normally raise concerns with your immediate manager who will normally refer the matter to the Councils' Monitoring Officer. Where the subject of your concern is your immediate manager then it is likely to be more appropriate to raise the concern with the Monitoring Officer direct.
In any event the Monitoring Officer should always be advised of potential malpractice within the authority as she has statutory duties and responsibilities in relation to matters of illegality or maladministration (potential or actual). The Monitoring Officer will be responsible for advising the Section 151 Officer (who has responsibilities relating to financial probity) and the Executive Directors (as the Head of Paid Service), depending on the Monitoring Officer's view as to the seriousness of the allegation.
Concerns may be raised orally (face to face) or in writing. If you make a written report you are invited to set out:
- The background and history of your concern, giving the dates of relevant events and explaining their consequences; and
- The reason why you are particularly concerned about the situation.
The earlier you express concern the easier it is to take action.
Although you are not expected to prove beyond doubt the truth of an allegation, you will need to demonstrate to the person contacted that there are reasonable grounds for your concern.
Advice/guidance on how to pursue matters of concern may be obtained from:
- The Monitoring Officer;
- The S.151 Officer;
- The Executive Directors; or
- Internal Audit.
You may wish to consider discussing your concern with a colleague first and you may find it easier to raise the matter if there are two (or more) of you who have had the same experience or concerns.
You may invite your trade union, professional association representative or a colleague to be present during any meetings or interviews in connection with the concerns you have raised.
