Whistleblowing

A Whistleblower is generally a term used for a person who works in or for an organisation and raises an honest and reasonable concern about a possible fraud, crime, danger or other serious risk that could threaten colleagues, service users, customers, members of the public or the success and reputation of the organisation.

Members of the public are welcome to raise any concerns with us through our whistleblowing channels. However, please note that concerns raised by individuals outside our organisation do not meet the legal criteria for a protected disclosure under whistleblowing legislation. As such, any issues reported by the public will be handled and investigated as a complaint in line with our standard complaints process.

Raising a concern

You can raise your concern in several ways:

• Report whistleblowing concerns via the online form
• Report any kind of non-benefit fraud via the online referral form
• Raising a concern by email – whistleblowing@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Raising a concern by telephone – Whistleblowing hotline: 01244 973223
• Raising a concern in writing – please ensure you mark the envelope 'personal, private and confidential'. If the concern is of a serious nature, you may wish to hand deliver the envelope to the relevant person.

Please give as much information as possible:

• Background information
• Explain why you are concerned and what you are concerned about
• The names of the employee / Members involved and their place of work (if applicable)
• The dates / periods of time relating to the matter
• The names and positions held of any other employees / Members who may support your concern

How will my whistleblowing complaint be dealt with

All complaints are confidential and will be treated sensitively. We will channel complaints to the most appropriate officer and will keep you informed of who is dealing with the complaint and how.

You will not be given any copies of investigative reports or audits, but we may advise you informally of the conclusions of the investigation.

Not all complaints will warrant a full investigation as it may be that the matter can be resolved informally because the information has been misinterpreted.