Contents

• 1. Scope of Raising Concerns Policy
• 2. Note for Elected Members
• 3. Introduction
• 4. Aims of the Raising Concerns Policy
• 5. Links to the Corporate Plan
• 6. Responsibility
• 7. Methods of Raising Concerns
• 8. Openness, confidentiality, and anonymity
• 9. Process for Receipt and Investigation of Concerns
• 10. Outcomes
• 11. Safeguards
• 12. Monitoring and Review
• Appendix 1 - can be viewed by downloading the Raising Concerns Policy document (PDF 284KB)

1. Scope of Raising Concerns Policy

1.1 At Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, we are committed to creating an open and supportive environment where concerns can be raised safely, responsibly and in the public interest – whether by those working within the Council or by members of the wider community.

1.2 This policy applies to all Council staff, including agency assignees, volunteers, consultants, secondees and contractors carrying out duties on our behalf.

Under the Public Interest Disclosure (NI) Order 1998, these individuals are defined as “workers” and are afforded specific protections when raising concerns.

1.3 We also welcome concerns raised by members of the public and section 2.2 outlines how these will be considered.

1.4 In relation to the terminology used, ‘whistleblowing’, ‘raising a concern’ or ‘speaking up’ generally relate to the same thing.

In line with NI Audit Office guidance, this policy refers to raising concerns.

Note for Elected Members

2.1 If an Elected Member has concerns regarding malpractice, he/she is advised to refer to the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors or seek the advice of the Chief Executive.

The Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards investigates written complaints relating to Councillors and the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors.

2.2 While the Public Interest Disclosure (NI) Order 1998 does not extend protection to members of the public who raise concerns, the Council will endeavour, as far as possible, to apply the same principles to addressing and investigating these concerns.

Members of the public should follow the guidance in section 7 for raising concerns.

3. Introduction

Why is a policy for Raising Concerns needed?

3.1 All organisations face the risk of things going wrong from time to time, or of unknowingly harbouring illegal or unethical conduct.

A culture of openness and accountability is essential in order to prevent such situations occurring and to address them when they do occur.

3.2 This Policy has been established to enable workers to be able to raise concerns at work in a safe way when there is a reasonable belief that there is malpractice.

3.3 Examples of concerns could include:

1. Misappropriation of funds;
2. Abuse of position;
3. Offering to make a bribe or to request or accept a bribe;
4. Failure to comply with Health and Safety legislation;
5. Misuse of Council property;
6. Safeguarding concerns;
7. Criminal activity; or
8. Serious contravention of the Council’s Codes of Conduct/ practice and regulations relating to a Council employee.

3.4 Due care and attention have been paid to the Public Interest Disclosure A c t (1989) and the related (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 when documenting this policy.

3.5 The Council has appointed a Raising Concerns Champion - the Director of Corporate Support Services, who is a source of advice and support for staff, as well as a key resource for connecting the organisation to service users and the wider public.