What is the purpose of the policy?

This policy:

• Provides the basis on which employees and contractors can raise any such concerns they may have regarding the provision of goods and services by external suppliers and receive feedback on action taken.
• Allows employees and contractors to take the matter further if they are dissatisfied with the council's response.
• Gives protection from reprisals or victimisation for 'whistleblowing' in good faith.

How does an employee or contractor raise a concern?

An employee or contractor who feels they cannot approach managers can contact the 24 Hour Anti-Fraud hotline on telephone 0800 731 6202.

How will the council respond?

The action taken by the council will depend on the nature of the concern. The matters raised may, for example:

• be investigated internally;
• be referred to the Police;
• be referred to the External Auditor; or
• form the subject of an independent inquiry.

Within two weeks of a concern being received, the council will write to the employee or contractor who raised the issue:

• acknowledging that the concern has been raised;
• indicating how it proposes to deal with the matter;
• where possible, giving an estimate of how long it will take to provide a final response;
• outlining whether further investigations will take place, and if not, why not.

What happens if the employee or contractor is not satisfied with the action?

This policy is intended to provide employees and contractors with an avenue to raise relevant concerns with the council. The council hopes employees and contractors will be satisfied with the action taken as a result.

If an employee or contractor is not satisfied, and feel it is right to take the matter outside of the council then they should refer to the full policy for further details.

If an employee or contractor does take the matter outside the council they must make sure they do not disclose otherwise confidential information.