Issue - meetings

The Head of Audit Partnership presented the Whistleblowing Policy which had been adapted in response to previous Committee feedback.  It was noted that:

·  The revised Policy attached as Appendix I to the report of the Head of Audit Partnership had been circulated to all Members of the Council inviting feedback and comments.  The comments received were positive and did not suggest any further changes.

·  If approved, the Policy would become the centrepiece of a drive to raise awareness with line managers (who, according to research conducted in January 2016, would be the first port of call for staff 90% of the time).  Consideration would then be given to further training and dissemination of the Policy as required.  Matters raised through the Policy would be reported back to the Committee initially as part of the standard Mid-Kent Audit reporting in November/December and June/July.  However, the Officers would keep this under review if the volume and nature of issues raised suggested alternative reporting cycles and methods would be more beneficial in bringing matters to the attention of Members.

RESOLVED:  That the Whistleblowing Policy, attached as Appendix I to the report of the Head of Audit Partnership, be approved.