Recommendation 18
Recommendation 18:
By 1 October 2023, chief fire officers should make sure their services provide a confidential way for staff to raise concerns and that staff are aware of whistleblowing processes.
ECFRS action:
April 2023:
The Service has multiple ways to raise concerns. These include:
- A confidential and independent whistleblowing helpline, ‘Protect’,
- A newly launched (16th January 2023) helpline, ‘Safe Share’ (see appendix A).
Since January 2023, awareness of how to share concerns has been highlighted to staff on several occasions:
- Desktop ‘wallpaper’ since January 2023
- 27 April 2023 – e-letter from CFO to all staff
- 31 March 2023 – e-letter from CFO to all staff
- Various dates – CFO included in ‘Ask me Anything’ sessions
- 27 March 2023 – included in Leaders Conference
- 16 January 2023 – presentation at Managers Briefing for cascade to all staff
January 2024
Communication ongoing. Independent whistleblowing helpline changing on 1 April 2024 to enable greater reporting (whilst protecting anonymity).