Civil Servants Raising Concerns
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.
- The NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024) assessed this recommendation as Implemented, stating that civil servants were encouraged to raise concerns through the revised NICS Code of Ethics, whistleblowing arrangements, and Raising a Concern Policy Framework (NIAO Second Progress Report, October 2024).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted[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.
Progress Timeline
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.