Speak Out

Report Malpractice in the workplace

The Speak Out hub makes it quick and easy for you to report your concerns via an online form, phone line or email (confidentially if preferred).

speakout@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

01446 731115

Speak Out online form

Speak Out Resources

Download Speak Out branded resources:

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Resource Pack

Why Speak Out?

Speaking out or 'whistleblowing' has a positive impact on the organisation, protecting the Council's finances and reputation, while keeping colleagues and customers safe.

The Council's Whistleblowing Policy

The Council's whistleblowing policy welcomes all genuine concerns and treats reported issues seriously.

The policy explains:

How to raise a concern
The types of activity that should be reported
The protection the Council provides
Confidentiality
The Council's response
How to take matters further, if necessary

Whistleblowing Policy

You can find out what the policy covers by reading the whistleblowing policy on a page or watching the short summary animation:

Your protection

The Council’s Whistleblowing policy allows you to raise a genuine concern (in a confidential manner if preferred).

The policy ensures that those who choose to speak out are not victimised or dismissed for raising their concerns.

The Council does not tolerate any harassment or victimisation and will take action to protect those who raise concerns.

UK law protects employees from dismissal, harassment, or victimisation if such treatment occurs as a result of having made a whistleblowing disclosure considered to be in the public interest, and the Council will make every effort to ensure that your name is not revealed without your consent.

Those who do choose to speak out are legally protected and the Council will make every effort to ensure that your name is not revealed without your consent.

You can read more about the legal protection afforded to whistleblowers on page 5 of the Council's Whistleblowing policy.

When to Speak Out

You should speak out when you have a genuine concern about malpractice, such as:

Conduct which is a criminal offence or breach of law
A breach of our Code of Conduct for staff or Councillors
Sexual, physical or verbal abuse towards clients, employees, contractors or the public
Dangerous procedures risking the health and safety of clients, employees, contractors or the public
Unauthorised use of public funds
Suspected fraud or corruption
Damage to the environment (e.g. land, buildings, highways, water, air, waste, energy, transport, natural habitat etc.)
Unethical or improper conduct
Services that fall seriously below approved standards or practice
Failure to follow the Council’s policies and procedures

Remember, if your concern relates only to yourself, rather than wrongdoing of a more general nature, this will be treated as a grievance and the Council's Grievance Policy would apply.

How to Speak Out

Firstly, consider if your concern is a whistleblowing matter or a grievance. If you are unsure, you can read more about whistleblowing matters on page 8 of the Council's whistleblowing policy.

Report your concerns confidentially using the Speak Out online form, email or phone line.

speakout@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

01446 731115

Speak Out Online Form

Alternatively, if you'd prefer, you can report your concerns directly to your line manager.

What to expect next

The Council's response to a concern that has been raised will depend on the nature of the concern.

The officer receiving the whistleblowing allegation will notify the Operational Manager Customer Relations to include the disclosure on a central register.

Within the next 10 working days the whistleblower will receive an explanation on how the Council proposes to deal with the matter.

This could be one of various procedures, including an internal or external investigation or an agreed action for a resolution.

You can find example responses and actions on page 10 of the Council's Whistleblowing policy.