The Northern Ireland public sector has made notable progress in how it
manages raising concerns, often known as whistleblowing, but there
remains scope for improving culture, leadership and skills in this area.
That is among the conclusions of a report published today (Friday 20
March) by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Dorinnia Carville’s report on Raising Concerns in the Northern Ireland
Public Sector considers mechanisms put in place by organisations
including central government departments, local councils and health
trusts. It follows a number of high-profile cases associated with raising
concerns in recent years, as well as the publication of a 2023 Policy
Framework for government departments.
Today’s report notes that over 700 concerns have been raised across the
public sector in the last five years. Whilst the number of concerns raised
with councils has been largely unchanged, departments have seen an
increase since the introduction of the Framework.
The largest category of classified concerns relates to potential fraud or
maladministration. In cases where investigations were completed, only
10% of the concerns raised were upheld.
The report notes that there has been significant progress. All government
departments now have updated policies and a Designated Officer in place
to deal with raising concerns.
However, areas for improvement are also identified, including the need
for:
- Development of specialised skills, specifically investigative skills, to
ensure that all concerns are appropriately treated. - Specific training for staff involved in raising concerns as well as
general training to improve awareness of raising concerns. - More sharing of good practice and reflection on what works between
organisations. - The introduction of a raising concern framework to help lead to
better accountability in local government. - Stronger leadership across public sector organisations on raising
concerns.
The report highlights that in many government departments ‘speak up
champions’ are not in place, despite this being a requirement of the 2023
Framework. Teams who dealt with raising concerns were in some
instances isolated or not supported to fully carry out their functions.
There also remains scope for Audit and Risk Assurance Committees to
actively monitor the processes around raising concerns, including
ensuring there is appropriate capacity and capability to investigate
concerns, and seeking assurance that all concerns are managed in
accordance with policy.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Dorinnia Carville said:
“A healthy and positive culture around raising concerns is essential to
ensure transparency, integrity and accountability within the public sector.
It helps organisations detect issues early, avoid costly mistakes, and
improve service delivery for the public.
The 2023 NI Departments’ Raising a Concern, Policy Framework was a
very significant and welcome step forward. However, public sector leaders
should continue to treat this as a priority and ensure their staff are
informed, skilled and supported to raise concerns they have as well as
manage those they receive.
Alongside this report today, I am delighted to publish an updated Good
Practice Guide on Raising Concerns to support public sector bodies and
their employees. This Guide, together with the recommendations in my
report, will help central and local government assess their current
arrangements and create the environment where raising concerns is
encouraged, welcomed and managed effectively.”
ENDS