Reproduced with the kind permission of Freedom
to Care, a UK whistleblowing charity
Ten
Principals of Accountability
The following principles should ideally underlie any guidance
which employers/managers issue to staff on raising concerns
in the workplace:
1 TRANSPARENCY - A procedure for raising concerns which is
recognised by all and accessible to all
2 OPENNESS - a culture in which it is safe to raise concerns
and discuss them with any relevant and appropriate person,
and in which the presumption is in favour of openness rather
than secrecy. Employers should not use 'confidentiality'
as a means of gagging staff.
3 FAIRNESS - a procedure which is fair and is seen to be
fair; which does not discriminate in terms of sex, race,
conscience, status or position
4 A HEARING - people who have concerns they wish to express
should be heard, preferably in person, by those who have
the power to change things for the better
5 INDEPENDENCE - conscientious employees should be able
to raise a concern with some person or body who/which is
independent and impartial i.e. has no interests to defend
in the matter being complained of
6 KNOWLEDGE - employers and managers should have working
knowledge of ACAS (or other relevant) rules on discipline,
codes of professional conduct, regulatory instruments, rights
of staff under employment law and relevant anti-discrimination
statutes on sex, race and disability, and civil rights
7 PARTICIPATION - employers/managers should participate
with employees/professionals in setting standards, and in
drawing up and monitoring procedures for the raising of concerns
8 PROMPTNESS - concerns should be dealt with as efficiently
and quickly as possible
9 SUPPORT - staff who raise concerns should be supported
in doing so e.g. being allowed to have the time and the resources
to make their case, the appropriate access to evidence, and
witnesses / observers / representatives at relevant hearings
10 APPEAL - staff should have the opportunity to appeal
and be given guidance on appropriate channels of pursuing
their concern to the highest level
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