7.1 The Council aims to encourage openness and will support whistleblowers who raise genuine concerns under this Policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
7.2 Whistleblowers must not suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of raising a genuine concern. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform the Assistant Director of HR and OD or the Monitoring Officer immediately. If an individual is found to threaten or retaliate against whistleblowers in any way, action may be taken against them, including under the Council’s disciplinary procedures.
7.3 If an individual makes an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by an investigation, no action will be taken against them. If an individual is found to make a false allegation maliciously, action may be taken against them under the Council’s disciplinary procedures.
7.4 "Protect" operates a confidential helpline providing support and advice. Their contact details are at the end of this Policy.