Dorset Council whistleblowing cases increasing
Latest figures show 14 incidents where staff have noted wrongdoing
Dorset Council staff, and others, appear more willing to complain about wrong doing by their colleagues and councillors.
Figures for whistleblowing and/or reported fraud at the local authority have increased from four in 2021/22, to seven in 22/23 and 14 in 2023/24.
The Council says the numbers are most likely to have increased due to an improved promotion of the whistleblowing arrangements, and easier accessibility of the policy from the Council’s internet.
Of the 14 cases dealt with – two were upheld, two partially upheld and six were not upheld. Four cases remain ongoing.
Most of the cases (11) are classed as “malpractice, negligent, unprofessional or unethical behaviour’ and three for “fraud, corruption of unauthorised use of public funds”.
In one case, involving unethical behaviour an employee resigned and in another case a staff member was sacked for ‘moonlighting’ – doing private work at the same time as holding a council job “using Dorset Council operatives and other resources.”
Other whistleblowing cases have led to awareness training for staff, over the use of social media, and to changes in procedures.
The complaints have come from a range of sources including members of the public, ex employees and existing staff, including a manager.
A report on the progress of the policies and procedures suggests that within services most at risk from fraud there should be further staff training, including an explanation of how the whistleblowing policy works – one of the key principles being that staff who do bring forward concerns will not be penalised.