Government CEO Mark Lewin has pledged to rebuild employee trust in the whistleblowing system following the reputational damage caused by the Dr Rosalind Ransom case.
Appearing before the Select Committee on Whistleblowing Policy Implementation, Mr Lewin was challenged on how he would restore confidence among public sector workers.
He acknowledged the significance of the issue, saying: “It should always be safe to speak out. It should always be safe to put your hand up and say that doesn’t look right.”
Mr Lewin highlighted the range of reporting routes available to staff, including line managers, whistleblowing officers, prescribed persons and the anonymous Integrity Line.
“There is no shortage of ways to report it,” he said. “We will continue to do whatever we need to do to make sure that is a safe space to do that.”
Committee chair Julie Edge questioned whether the multitude of reporting options might itself create confusion and undermine trust.
Mr Lewin conceded this was a possibility, saying: “I think it can definitely cause confusion.”
He said the government would “never stop seeking to see, can we improve it,” adding that he looks forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations in due course.