Recommendation 37: Westminster whistleblowing policies for CSA
From Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Linked to Westminster Investigation Report, published 25 February 2020.
Recommendation
Government, political parties and other Westminster institutions must have whistleblowing policies and procedures which cover child sexual abuse and exploitation. Every employee must be aware that they can raise any concerns using these policies and that the policies are not limited to concerns specific to a person's employment.
In brief (written by this site)
In September 2020, HM Government reported that all government departments had whistleblowing policies in place, supported by a civil service model policy that specifically covers the abuse or mistreatment of children (Cabinet Office response, Sep 2020; Cabinet Office, Sep 2020). It stated in September 2020 that parliamentary procedures remain a matter for both Houses, while noting that an additional cross-government campaign was planned for 2021 (Cabinet Office response, Sep 2020). The record holds no update since the government's response of September 2020 (Cabinet Office response, Sep 2020).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
Government Departments All government departments have whistleblowing policies in place. To support departments in ensuring their policies are effective, a model policy is provided by Civil Service Employee Policy, part of Civil Service HR. This policy has been renamed ‘Raising a Concern’ in line with a recommendation made by Professor Thorburn. The change of emphasis in the name moves the policy away from the ‘whistleblowing’ term which we have found can discourage individuals wishing to raise a concern. The policy specifically mentions danger to environments or to people, where it gives the example of abuse or mistreatment of children. Civil Service Employee Policy supported departments with their implementation of the model policy by running a cross-government ‘Speak-Up’ campaign in 2019. A further campaign is planned for 2021. Parliament The internal policies and procedures of Parliament are a matter for both Houses and the government respects the exclusive cognisance of each House to conduct its own internal affairs. However, the government is clear that all institutions should have appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard children. Everyone must adhere to the legislation and guidance in place to safeguard children. The 2018 statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children sets out that everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play. More broadly, the government has been working closely with both Houses to support meaningful culture change in Parliament. For example, the government worked closely with the House Authorities to establish the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme which provides support for improving the working culture in Parliament. Both Houses have also agreed to a Behaviour Code which sets out the standards expected of everyone working in Parliament. This government has made clear that there is no place for bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment in Parliament, and by working cross party we are helping to ensure that everyone working in Parliament is treated with dignity and respect.
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (18 September 2020)
All government departments have whistleblowing policies in place. To support departments in ensuring their policies are effective, a model policy is provided by Civil Service Employee Policy, part of Civil Service HR. This policy has been renamed ‘Raising a Concern’ in line with a recommendation made by Professor Thorburn.
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Cabinet Office
Response, delivery statement