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2.1 Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding the establishment of a whistle-blowing office:
Following his response to a question on 11th March 2008, does the Chief Minister intend to bring legislation establishing a whistle-blowing office to the Assembly and, if so, when?
Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):
In my response to Deputy Le Hérissier in March I said that my department's Business Plan for 2008 includes an assessment of the need for an independent person or agency to receive approaches from persons raising serious concerns. I can confirm that work is progressing on the review of the policy on reporting serious concerns to ensure that the avenues for raising those concerns within the Civil Service reflect best practice and provide a timely response for resolution of issues. Work is also continuing on the consideration of whether the several avenues whereby members of the public can raise concerns about serious issues are adequate. I have today published Professor Robert Upex's report which contains some useful information which needs to be considered in the formulation of an effective approach to whistle-blowing. I intend to publish a report to the States at the start of the next session which will contain a proposal to improve the way such matters are handled. In my response to Deputy Le Hérissier in March I said that I could not give a specific answer to the question of the date that proposals will be brought to the States as that presupposes that the outcome of the assessment would be that such proposals are necessary. My response has not changed and, therefore, I cannot confirm that legislation will be brought to the Assembly to establish a whistle-blowing office, nor can I at this stage confirm the timescales.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Would the Minister confirm, in light of his answer of 11th March, that the work will be completed
in July 2008 and, secondly, Sir on a scale of one to 10 - 10 being very enthusiastic - where does his
feeling lie for this office? Senator F.H. Walker :
I cannot answer the second part of the question because I do not have all the information as yet, but I can confirm that the work will be completed in July and, as I said in my answer to the question, I would propose to put a paper to the States in September.
- Senator S. Syvret:
I have given notice to the Greffier and a draft proposition that I am going to be tabling which will ask the agreement of the Assembly to introduce a U.K. (United Kingdom) type Public Interest Disclosure Act. Will the Chief Minister give his assurance that he will consider this matter carefully?
Senator F.H. Walker :
Without giving any assurance as to the final decision upon it, yes, I will give that assurance