Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Whistleblower support predominantly relies on nominated officers and case-by-case handling.
Conclusion
We asked both HMRC and DWP how they currently support whistleblowers. HMRC told us the majority of support comes from nominated officers within the department but it also points people to other sources of advice and support, such as the employee assistance programme, the trade unions or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).43 The Cabinet Office also said it is principally through the nominated officer route. DWP added that it deals with whistleblowers on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the individual and the circumstances being investigated.44
Government response summary AI-generated
The Cabinet Office acknowledges its oversight role in civil service whistleblowing, providing a model policy, guidance, training, and data collection, while clarifying that individual departments are responsible for their specific arrangements.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The Cabinet Office has oversight of whistleblowing arrangements in the civil service and supports the work of departments. It provides support across government organisations by setting a model policy, offering guidance, training, and collecting whistleblowing data. However, individual departments are responsible for setting their own whistleblowing arrangements and procedures.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗