Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Inconsistent departmental health check data hinders evaluation of whistleblowing arrangements effectiveness
Conclusion
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
Government Response Summary
The Cabinet Office will review the annual data collection for 2024-25 and widen the data set to focus on clarity and consensus on the categorisation of cases and outcomes, clarifying the time taken to conclude an investigation, requesting additional information on the experience / treatment of the whistleblower, ensuring nil responses are submitted, following up on cases which were ongoing at the time of collection, and holding departmental assurance conversations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.2 The Cabinet Office will work with departmental leads to review the annual data collection for the year 2024-25, including the widening of the data set to focus on: • providing clarity and consensus on the categorisation of cases and outcomes; • clarifying the time taken to conclude an investigation; • requesting additional information on the experience / treatment of the whistleblower; • ensuring nil responses are submitted; • following up on cases which were ongoing at the time of collection; • holding departmental assurance conversations.