Issue - meetings

To note the review of the Confidential Reporting Code by the Monitoring Officer has taken place and agree to retain the current policy.

The Committee considered a report from Linda Heron, Deputy Monitoring Officer which advised and updated members on the outcome of the annual review of the Confidential Reporting Code which was still fit for purpose and covered all matters. The report also provided an update on the number of whistleblowing cases raised under the Code in the past year. Since the Code was last reviewed, three matters have been raised. One did not amount to whistleblowing and the other two had been duly investigated.

The Committee queried whether the code was robust enough in light of significant whistleblowing complaints materialising on a national context. The Deputy Monitoring Officer confirmed that the code continued to be effective and the Council was committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability.

The Committee raised concern regarding the wording within the confidentiality section of the code and identified there should be more reassurance for matters to be treated in confidence. The Deputy Monitoring Officer confirmed she will report this back to the Monitoring Officer to review. In the circumstance that confidentiality cannot be maintained, this will be justified and consent for any disclose will be sought.

The Committee resolved to note that the review of the Confidential Reporting Code by the Monitoring Officer had taken place and agreed to retain the current policy.