Introduction
If you feel that there is wrongdoing in the council, and it is affecting or will affect others, for example the general public or a colleague, you should report it so it can be investigated.
Report your concern
The easiest way to report your concern is through our online form. There are other ways to report your concern if you do not feel comfortable doing this.
1Fill in the online form
To report a concern you can:
Information you’ll need to provide
The form will ask you for:
- the directorate the matter relates to
- your contact details - although you can remain anonymous
- details of the incident.
2Acknowledgement of your concern
If you have provided contact details you will receive an acknowledgement within 10 working days. This will tell you:
- how we propose to deal with the matter
- how long we estimate a full response to take
- if any initial enquiries have been made
- if further investigations will take place.
The action taken will depend on the nature of the concern. Your concern may be:
- resolved without the need for investigation
- dealt with under other procedures
- investigated internally
- referred to the police
- referred to the external auditor
- the subject of an independent enquiry.
3During the investigation
If an investigation is required and you have provided your details, you may be asked to:
- provide further information
- attend a meeting, with the option to be accompanied by a trade union representative or workplace colleague
- give evidence in criminal or disciplinary proceedings - the council will advise you about the procedure, if required.
4After the investigation
Once the investigation has finished, you will be told the outcome of the investigation, subject to any legal constraints. It is important to us that you are aware of the outcome, so you can be reassured that the incident has been dealt with.
Other ways to report your concern
You can report any concern to the following:
If you feel unable to talk to anyone at the council you can contact one of our external contacts:
If your concern relates to something specific, here are some other ways to report it:
Unhappy with the outcome?
If you are not satisfied with the outcome provided by the council, you can contact:
- an elected member
- relevant professional body
- your solicitor
- the police
- Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) charity
- your trade union
- the Ombudsman
- external auditor.