Our approach to whistleblowing enables employees, councillors and members of the public to express any concerns they have about illegal or illegitimate practices involving the council, without fear of victimisation, discrimination or disadvantage.
Whistleblowing claims can be raised anonymously and still be considered for investigation. However it would assist the investigation if the whistleblower gives their details and is prepared to give a statement or evidence.
Please note, if you have any comments or complaints about how the Council provides services that are not related to whistleblowing, you can report them here or directly to the relevant department.
Before raising a whistleblowing claim, ask yourself the following questions:
You can report the matter to us by calling 0800 043 0699, emailing Whistleblowing@reading.gov.uk or by writing to Corporate Investigations Team, Civic Offices, Reading RG1 2LU.
If you work for the Council, you should normally raise matters through your immediate line manager or head of service in accordance with the staff whistleblowing policy. This will be treated as strictly private and confidential.
Your whistleblowing claim will be acknowledged immediately, and we will write to you to indicate how the matter will be dealt with within five working days.
Subject to legal constraints, you will receive information about the outcome of any investigations, and the action that is to be taken against those whose actions caused you to contact us.
If you are not satisfied by our whistleblowing policy, and feel it is right to take the matter outside the Council, the following are possible contact points available to you:
If you would like to take this matter outside the council, you need to ensure that you do not disclose prohibited confidential information.