Whistleblowing policy

South Ribble Borough Council and Chorley Council (the council) is committed to ensuring that it, and the people working for it, complies with the highest standards of openness, probity and accountability.

 In line with that commitment, it expects and encourages all employees to maintain high standards in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Council Employees.

This Policy aims to encourage workers with serious concerns about any aspect of the council's work to come forward and voice those concerns, so that they can be investigated effectively.

This council is fully committed to supporting employees who come forward with allegations of wrongdoing and will as so far is possible ensure that complete confidentiality is maintained.

Like other policies, the Whistleblowing Policy, when invoked can start a process; it is therefore of paramount importance that the correct process is being used - the Whistleblowing Policy is designed to investigate serious allegations of wrongdoing; the council has other policies for less serious investigations. Like most things, it will come down to individual judgement and the reasonableness and proportionality tests.

Whether or not it is the Whistleblowing Policy that is appropriate, the Chief Executive and the rest of the Leadership Team are unambiguously committed to taking seriously any and all allegations of wrongdoing - serious or otherwise.

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Gary Hall

Chief Executive