Make a complaint
Confidential reporting
The Authority expects its employees, and others that it deals with, (such as contractors, agency staff and partners), who have serious concerns about any aspect of the Authority’s work, to voice those concerns. If and when they do, provided they act in good faith and follow the laid down procedures, the Authority will do everything it can to ensure that they are not victimised in any way.
The Authority will treat every disclosure in confidence, and only reveal the identity of the person making it if absolutely necessary (eg if required in connection with legal action). The Authority will, at its discretion, consider disclosures that are made anonymously, although such disclosures inevitably carry much less weight. The Authority will keep people who make disclosures informed about the progress and (subject to legal constraints) about the outcome of any investigation carried out.
Frivolous or malicious allegations made for personal gain may, however, result in action against the person making them. This may include legal proceedings and/or, in the case of employees, disciplinary action.
Officers and police staff who are under the direction and control of the Chief Constable have access to the Force’s Confidential Reporting facilities and are subject to the appropriate Force Orders from time to time applicable. For this reason, this Whistleblowing Policy does not apply to them.
Make a complaint against a Member or an Officer.
Independent advice on ‘whistleblowing’ can also be obtained from the charity Public Concern at Work and from the Audit Commission. Contact details for these organisations are:
Public Concern at Work
Suite 306
16 Baldwins Gardens
London EC1N 7RJ
Helpline: 020 7404 6609
Email: helpline@pcaw.co.uk
Audit Commission
1 Vincent Square
London SW1P 2PN
Telephone: 020 7828 1212
Email: enquiries@audit-commission.gov.uk