Raising Concerns (March 2026): A Good Practice Guide for the Northern Ireland Public Sector

This updated Guide is aimed at helping public sector organisations to understand the value of an open and honest reporting culture, where concerns can be raised and dealt with effectively as part of normal business, leading to strengthened governance. It follows our previous 2020 Guide on Raising Concerns.

Key principles when dealing with concerns 

This guide identifies a number of important principles that public organisations should follow when dealing with raising concerns. They include the following:

• Public bodies should promote an open and supportive culture that values raising concerns
• Public bodies should have clear and accessible policies to deal with raising concerns
• Public bodies should ensure confidentiality and protection against victimisation
• Public bodies should investigate concerns promptly, fairly, and transparently
• Public bodies should monitor, review and learn from raising concerns
• Public bodies should ensure there is appropriate oversight of raising concerns