Welcome to Your Council
Whistleblowing and confidential reporting procedure
Fraud within the public sector costs the taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Like all public sector organisations, Knowsley Council may be affected in some way by fraudulent or corrupt activitity.
We are committed to combating fraud and corruption by employees or members of the council who abuse their position of trust. Our Anti Fraud and Corruption Policy includes a whistleblowing procedure, which enables employees and staff with contracting organisations to raise, in good faith, any concerns they may have without fear of victimisation.
Such concerns may include:
- health and safety risks
- damage to the environment
- abuse of vulnerable clients
- any conduct which is illegal
The procedure recognises that employees need to be assured that their concerns have been properly addressed and will be informed of the outcome of the case, subject to legal constraints.
If you work for the council or contracting organisation and have workplace concerns, you should follow these simple guidelines:
- Do make an immediate note of your concerns. Note all relevent details such as telephone or other conversations, dates, times and names of those involved.
- Do convey your suspicions to the appropriate person. This may be your line manager or someone with whom you feel comfortable. You can speak to the Audit Commission if you prefer to speak to someone outside the council.
- Do deal with the matter promptly. Any delay will result in the problem continuing or worsening.
- Do not be afraid of raising your concerns.
- Do not approach or accuse any individuals directly.
- Do not try to investigate the matter yourself as there are special rules for such investigations.
- Do not convey your suspicions to anyone other than the appropriate officers.
- Do not use this procedure to pursue a personal grievance.
Need further advice?
Speak to your line manager in the first instance. If you feel you need to speak to somebody else, you can also contact the following:
- Your Executive Director
- Service Director - Organisational Development 443 3586
- Chief Internal Auditor 443 3653
- KMBC Fraud Hotline 08000 730 532
- Audit Commission Confidential Public Interest Disclosure Line 0845 052 2646
- Public Concern at Work 020 7404 6609 or visit www.pcaw.co.uk
You can download the confidential reporting procedure below or whistleblow online.
Confidential reporting procedure (Word 70KB)