Whistleblowing

[H18 SFR]

I work in local government. Through my employment I engage with many internal and external agencies. I have a serious concern regarding a matter that centres on Police Scotland not charging someone relating to child abuse despite them confirming that it exceeds the threshold in terms of securing a conviction - that statement is 100% accurate.

As my concern does not in any way relate to my employers I want to whistleblow.

I am struggling to ascertain exactly how much direct info I can and can’t disclose so that I don’t end up getting disciplined.

My head is bursting. Any tips in the right direction?

[Bostonhibby]

I work in local government. Through my employment I engage with many internal and external agencies. I have a serious concern regarding a matter that centres on Police Scotland not charging someone relating to child abuse despite them confirming that it exceeds the threshold in terms of securing a conviction - that statement is 100% accurate.

As my concern does not in any way relate to my employers I want to whistleblow.

I am struggling to ascertain exactly how much direct info I can and can’t disclose so that I don’t end up getting disciplined.

My head is bursting. Any tips in the right direction?Are you in a union?

If so talk to the representative and ask for access to their/your lawyer before doing anything else?

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[Ozyhibby]

I work in local government. Through my employment I engage with many internal and external agencies. I have a serious concern regarding a matter that centres on Police Scotland not charging someone relating to child abuse despite them confirming that it exceeds the threshold in terms of securing a conviction - that statement is 100% accurate.

As my concern does not in any way relate to my employers I want to whistleblow.

I am struggling to ascertain exactly how much direct info I can and can’t disclose so that I don’t end up getting disciplined.

My head is bursting. Any tips in the right direction?

Get a lawyer. Whistleblowing protection isn’t an automatic right. There is a process. Make sure you follow it.
If not, go to press.


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[H18 SFR]

I contacted my union this week, they are looking into it for me. They did feed back today that they need more time to provide advice as it is not something that they have come across before - due to the nature of the specifics, they assured me that there full support will be provided.

I’d prefer not to have to pay for legal advice but given the bigger picture I will if this is unavoidable.

[Ozyhibby]

If your info is solid then there are plenty lawyers happy to work for nothing on such cases.


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[H18 SFR]

Union reply:

Discussed your situation. Advice is that you do not say anything as it could lead to action taken against you by your employer. You can register your concerns with your line manager. With previous violent history a risk assessment should be in the process of completion, if not then one should be required. You may decide that the risk assessment is updated in light of the information you have been given. If some other incident does occur then you have the safeguard that you have highlighted these concerns. I would also suggest that you put your concerns in writing.

Disappointed by this. paedophiles are the most protected group of people in the United Kingdom.

[Hibs4185]

Not as serious as this, but in my gym there are 4 police officers who Jane grown stronger and bigger significantly over a 4 month period. They openly talk about their steroid abuse and a couple of them are complete and utter *annies.

Anabolic steroids must be a big no no for officers surely??

[Bostonhibby]

Union reply:

Discussed your situation. Advice is that you do not say anything as it could lead to action taken against you by your employer. You can register your concerns with your line manager. With previous violent history a risk assessment should be in the process of completion, if not then one should be required. You may decide that the risk assessment is updated in light of the information you have been given. If some other incident does occur then you have the safeguard that you have highlighted these concerns. I would also suggest that you put your concerns in writing.

Disappointed by this. paedophiles are the most protected group of people in the United Kingdom.I think what Ozyhibby is saying above is important.

My experience of receiving less serious complaints, or tip offs than what you seem to be dealing with is that you are only placed in this position because of what you do for a living.

If that's correct then just because its once removed due to agencies or any other bodies you are expected to liaise with whilst you carry out your role on behalf of your employer, your employer shouldn't be able to ignore the situation if you draw it to their attention.

Wish you the best in dealing with this.

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[H18 SFR]

I think what Ozyhibby is saying above is important.

My experience of receiving less serious complaints, or tip offs than what you seem to be dealing with is that you are only placed in this position because of what you do for a living.

If that's correct then just because its once removed due to agencies or any other bodies you are expected to liaise with whilst you carry out your role on behalf of your employer, your employer shouldn't be able to ignore the situation if you draw it to their attention.

Wish you the best in dealing with this.

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I queried why no action was being taken (I don’t want to use the specific phrase that was used), however, I have engaged with the appropriate Police Scotland Standard Operating Procedures this evening and there is no mention of it there.

I have also read the Lord Advocates Guidance for officers with the specific crime in mind and an ‘informal warning’ doesn’t even exist as a Police Scotland response.

It is mind boggling.

As a side issue, I spoke to a couple of colleague, everyone of which shared my utter amazement. However, when I spoke about seeking assistance from a MSP etc, roughly half were instantly saying you’ll get sacked, you can’t possibly challenge Police Scotland. Then got home to the wife whose reply was “we will lose our house”. Why is there such fear around calling out poor decision making at Police Scotland?