Raising a Concern about Argyll and Bute Council
Argyll and Bute Council is committed to the highest standards of openness, accountability and integrity.
We encourage anyone who has a concern about wrongdoing affecting the Council to come forward and report it. This is often referred to as “whistleblowing” or a public interest disclosure.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when someone reports suspected wrongdoing in the public interest - (Scottish Government - Whistleblowing)
This could include concerns that:
- A criminal offence has been committed
- The Council is failing to comply with the law
- Public funds are being misused
- Someone’s health or safety is at risk
- Sexual harassment has occurred
- The environment is being harmed
- There has been fraud, corruption or bribery
- There has been a deliberate cover-up of wrongdoing
You do not need to have proof—only a reasonable belief that the information is true and in the public interest.
Who can raise a concern?
You can use this process if you are:
- A Council employee
- A contractor, supplier or partner
- A councillor (Elected Member)
- A volunteer or agency worker
- A member of the public
When should I use this process?
Use whistleblowing if your concern relates to serious wrongdoing or risks affecting the public interest.
This process is not normally suitable for:
- Personal complaints about your own employment
- Service complaints (e.g. missed bins, housing issues)
For these, please use the Council’s grievance and/or complaints procedures -
Any complaints alleging a breach by an Elected Member of the Councillors Code of Conduct should be referred to the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
Our commitment to you
If you raise a concern, we will:
- Take your concerns seriously
- Treat the matter confidentially wherever possible
- Protect you from unfair treatment or victimisation where the law applies
- Investigate appropriately and proportionately
- Keep you informed where we can
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), individuals who raise genuine concerns in the public interest may have legal protection.
How to raise a whistleblowing concern
You can report a concern in the following ways:
By email
Email: fraud@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Please include:
- What your concern is
- Who is involved
- When and where events occurred
- Any evidence or supporting information
By telephone
Call our confidential reporting line: 01546 604789
By post
Write to:
Douglas Hendry, Monitoring Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT
Can I report anonymously?
Yes.
- You can raise concerns anonymously if you prefer
- However, providing contact details can help us investigate and update you
We will respect confidentiality wherever possible.
What happens next?
Once you raise a concern:
- Acknowledgement – We will confirm receipt where contact details are provided
- Assessment – We will review the concern to decide next steps
- Investigation – This may involve Internal Audit or another appropriate service
- Outcome – Appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is identified
All concerns are handled proportionately and professionally.
Please act responsibly
We encourage all genuine concerns to be raised.
However:
- Concerns should be raised in good faith
- Deliberately false or malicious allegations may be treated as misconduct
Further information
For full details, see our Whistleblowing Policy:
Remember - Speaking up helps us protect public services, public funds and the communities we serve.
