Our commitment
Wigan Council is committed to operating with honesty, integrity, and transparency. We encourage anyone who works for, with, or on behalf of the council to speak up if they have concerns about wrongdoing, poor practice, or risks that could affect others.
We want people to feel confident that concerns will be taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated appropriately.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is about raising concerns in the public interest. This means concerns that go beyond personal employment issues and relate to matters such as:
- Criminal activity
- Breaches of the law
- Risks to health and safety
- Damage to the environment
- Misuse of public money
- Attempts to conceal wrongdoing
- Sexual harassment.
Concerns about personal employment matters (for example, pay or working relationships) should be raised through the council’s complaints or grievance processes instead.
Who can raise a concern?
The Whistleblowing Policy applies to anyone working for, or on behalf of, the council, including:
- Employees
- Agency workers
- Contractors and suppliers
- People providing services to the council.
How to raise a concern
Concerns can be raised in writing, by phone, or in person. Where possible, people are encouraged to provide clear information, such as what has happened, when it occurred, and why they are concerned.
Concerns can usually be raised with a manager or a senior officer within the council. If this is not appropriate, or if someone feels unable to do so, advice is available from the council’s HR team or relevant designated officers.
Confidentiality and protection
The council will make every effort to keep a whistleblower’s identity confidential. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to share information as part of an investigation or where required by law, but this will be kept to a minimum.
Anyone who raises a genuine concern will be protected from victimisation, harassment, or unfair treatment. The council will take action if any form of retaliation occurs.
How concerns are handled
All concerns are taken seriously and assessed carefully. Where appropriate, the council will investigate the matter promptly and fairly, taking steps to protect everyone involved.
While full details of investigations cannot always be shared, whistleblowers will be informed when the process has concluded and whether appropriate action has been taken.
Raising concerns outside the council
The policy does not prevent anyone from raising a concern with an external or prescribed body, such as a regulator, where appropriate. Independent advice is recommended before doing so.
Further support
Advice and support on raising a concern can be obtained from the council’s HR team. Wellbeing support is also available to those who may find the process difficult.