RHI-32b Response Accepted Self-assessed

Civil Servants Raising Concerns

Recommendation

Civil servants should be encouraged not to feel in any way inhibited about disclosing possible or emerging problems, raising concerns, negative aspects or adverse criticisms of a project as necessary to ensure that decisions are properly informed.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024), civil servants are encouraged to raise concerns through a revised NICS Code of Ethics, updated whistleblowing arrangements, and a new Raising a Concern Policy Framework. According to the NI Executive Response (October 2021), a review of whistleblowing by Group Internal Audit and Fraud Investigation Services (GIAFIS) was also undertaken as part of the Executive's response.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.finance-ni.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify objectively. The assessment is based on policy commitments, not measured outcomes.
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Northern Ireland Executive
07 Oct 2021

[Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 8-18, 24, 26-28, 32b, 34-36 together as a group under the 'Professional Skills, Resourcing, Record Keeping and Raising Concerns' themes.] NI Executive Response (October 2021): These recommendations can be accepted in full. They have been partially addressed through: the revision of the NICS Code of Ethics; the GIAFIS review of whistleblowing; the Leadership Development training for senior officials. Further work is required to: implement the remaining recommendations of the GIAFIS review; Launch and promote the revised NICS Code of Ethics; develop an encompassing 'Raising Concerns' policy informed by the NIAO Good Practice Guide; Provide appropriate guidance to managers, staff and the public about addressing concerns in the NICS; endorse a culture of curiosity and challenge; enhance the role of Departmental Boards, including the role of NEDs and Ministers, and review the remit and agenda of Boards.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
15 Oct 2024

NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024): Implemented. Civil servants encouraged to raise concerns through revised NICS Code of Ethics, whistleblowing arrangements, and Raising a Concern Policy Framework.

Source
Report The Report of the Independent Public Inquiry into the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme 13 Mar 2020
Responsible Bodies
Northern Ireland Executive Primary
Recommendation age 6.0 yrs
Last formal update 525 days ago