The chief officer of the DESC has admitted he cannot be confident that all staff understand the whistleblowing policy, despite a new version being introduced in October 2025.
Graham Kinrade told Tynwald’s whistleblowing committee that implementing the policy across such a broad organisation was “always going to be a challenge”.
“I would like to sit here and say I’m 100% but I’m not,” he said.
Mr Kinrade revealed the department is using three different platforms to deliver training, meaning there is no central data on how many staff have completed it.
Some employees do not have access to either of the main government training systems.
Hand on heavy
“I could not put my hand on my heart and say no,” he said when asked if he knew how many had undertaken the training.
Lisa Kelly, who has been the designated whistleblowing officer for eight-and-a-half months, confirmed she has not yet received specific training for the role, though she has completed investigative officer training.
Ms Kelly said she has received the “investigation officer training” but is waiting on OHR for the designated officer training as that is “unavailable” at the moment.
However, she did say she was confident in her prior experience in dealing with confidential matters.
Mr Kinrade stressed the importance of organisational culture, saying he welcomes staff raising concerns.
“Speak up. Speak up. But it’s speak up to who you feel comfortable with,” he said. “What we need to ensure is that those people, those line managers, know what their process for raising that further is.”
The committee is examining whether the island’s whistleblowing policy is working effectively.