Recommendation 12

The Cabinet Office informed us that the health check data, as opposed to its annual RAC data collection, is where there is inconsistency in the data collected from departments.25 The variable data on departments whistleblowing arrangements makes it hard to compare and evaluate if they are currently effective or not. The Cabinet Office acknowledged that there is more it can do with departments to understand why there is such variation in the data and whether there is a way that it can improve consistency.26 The Cabinet Office told us it will provide more guidance and training for departments that are completing those health checks.27 It also agreed with the NAO that more consistent data in the health check returns would give it more assurance and confidence.28 Encouraging a ‘speak up’ environment