Civil servants may also need to consider the Civil Service Code, their department’s raising concerns policy and any specialist reporting route. The exact process depends on the concern and the department. This guidance is general preparation support, so check the current policy and seek union, legal or professional help where the risk is serious.
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When whistleblowing may be the right route
Whistleblowing usually involves information about suspected wrongdoing with a wider impact. It may affect colleagues, service users, public money, safety, legal compliance or the integrity of a public service. A complaint about your own treatment is more likely to belong in a grievance, although the same events can create both a personal complaint and a public-interest concern.
The key issue is the information you are disclosing. State what you believe has happened, is happening or may happen. Explain why the concern has a wider impact and identify the records, events or observations supporting it. Avoid making the label do the work for you.
Use the guide that matches your position
Deal with urgent risk first
A concern involving immediate danger, security, safeguarding, serious criminal activity or a risk to evidence may need prompt action through the relevant emergency, security, safeguarding or regulatory route. Do not delay urgent protective action while trying to produce a perfect written file.
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