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The verdict on Cammy Day: little in this sordid affair surprised me
The verdict on Cammy Day: little in this sordid affair surprised me

The Herald Scotland

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • The Herald Scotland

The verdict on Cammy Day: little in this sordid affair surprised me

But that did not mean Cllr Day had no case to answer, that complaints against him were fabricated, that Cllr Day's alleged behaviour fell below the standard expected of a civic figurehead, or that safeguards for complainants do not need to be improved. Like the charges against the late Alex Salmond, it is entirely possible for allegations to have some substance - why else did Mr Salmond admit to being 'no angel' who indulged in 'sleepy cuddles' in his bedroom with a female colleague who was not Mrs Salmond - and for there to be a political conspiracy at the same time? One does not necessarily exclude or indeed excuse the other, especially when a personal weakness becomes a political opportunity. But the debate on the Dunion Report split very much along those lines, with the SNP and Greens in denial that politics had played any part in how the allegations came to light, when each one of them either knew it did or had been living on Bass Rock for the last six months. Worse, any attempt to shed any political light on what happened was portrayed as victim-shaming and extending ordeals. If politics and allegations of leaks of confidential information about the complaints to the Press had anything to do with the absence of Cllr Day's former coalition partner and ex-council leader, the SNP's Adam Nols-McVey, no-one was saying. This is the same Cllr Nols-McVey who failed to inform the Chief Executive, the monitoring officer, or indeed the Standards Commission, when he received a serious complaint about Cllr Day, then his deputy coalition leader, in 2018. And it's the same Cllr Nols-McVey who never missed an opportunity to attack me in council meetings with quite sickening innuendo when I was under investigation - and subsequently cleared - by the Standards Commission for doing nothing more than asking difficult questions. Read more I'm not sure Edinburgh Council's biggest problem is too many Christmas parties Edinburgh Labour U-turns on Cammy Day's council comeback bid | The Herald Cammy Day probe report debated by Edinburgh Council | The Herald No, it was nothing to do with politics when new complaints made through the council's supposedly confidential whistleblowing system, and a subsequent report, then appeared in newspapers at the end of last year. And no, when the SNP amendment said, 'disclosures were met, in some instances, with dismissiveness or minimisation by some councillors, including being labelled as 'gossip' or 'salacious', contributing to a culture of silence and power imbalance,' it was not referring to Cllr Nols-McVey's obvious failure to escalate the 2018 complaint. And when the SNP agreed with the Greens' amendment that 'Elected Members undertaking public duties should be held to higher standards than simple criminality,' it presumably did not apply to what appears to have been little more than a chat between Cllr Nols-McVey and a police officer about the complaint in 2018. It was no surprise that Cllr Day was not there to hear what little remains of his reputation being ripped to shreds, and it's impossible to see how a plan, wisely withdrawn earlier in the week, for the Labour administration to propose Cllr Day as convener of the planning committee can come off. Why anyone thought it was a good idea to try to vote in someone to a promoted post, which comes with a £14,000 a year pay rise, just as they were about to be eviscerated in the next agenda item is beyond me. At least advice was heeded, but the Labour group should be in no doubt that any attempt at the next full council meeting in August to propose Cllr Day for such a key position could end in ignominious failure and possibly the collapse of the administration. Just because his behaviour has not crossed a criminal threshold, that Cllr Day has been readmitted to the Labour Party, or that there was a political motive behind the attempt to destroy him publicly, does not mean all councillors other than the SNP and Greens are willing to give him a clean bill of reputational health. Edinburgh City Chambers (Image: Newsquest) It certainly does not apply to serial Labour rebel Katria Faccenda who in an emotional speech said the affair had 'broken her heart' and made it clear she would not welcome Cllr Day's return, saying she was unable to attend meetings with Cllr Day present because she feared for her safety. However hyperbolic that claim may be, she was not far off the mark with her assertion that the council is in a 'position of ethical crisis,' but this is not news and there are more than a few of us, and not all from the opposition ranks, who have been saying this for years. For evidence, ask the now retired education officers John and Deirdre Travers why it took them 20 years to be compensated for the appalling campaign of abuse and intimidation they suffered for blowing the whistle on institutional corruption at the highest levels. Or the people whose evidence of disgraceful practices was ignored by the 2021 inquiry into the council's whistleblowing culture. He might not quit, but readmitted to the Labour Party or not, it's hard to see how Cllr Day can carry on after the 2027 election. Little in this whole sordid affair surprised me, and if the council is to move on, then so too should some other significant individuals who have been there too long. Councillors can call for as many reports and new procedures as they want, but when fresh new voices defend, ignore or even lie about the actions of those who have come to regard power as an entitlement, absolutely nothing will change.

Cammy Day accused of 'drunken tirade' that left fellow Labour councillor in tears
Cammy Day accused of 'drunken tirade' that left fellow Labour councillor in tears

Scotsman

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Scotsman

Cammy Day accused of 'drunken tirade' that left fellow Labour councillor in tears

Former council leader Cammy Day has been accused of subjecting a fellow Labour councillor to a 'drunken tirade' at a Christmas party that left her in tears. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Councillor Katrina Faccenda said she '[does] not welcome' Cllr Day's return to the party's group, as Edinburgh Council agreed steps to address the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – and to improve the process of handling complaints against councillors. These were part of the recommendations from an independent report into the city's handling of misconduct allegations against Cllr Day, who attended the meeting remotely. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cammy Day has been cleared by police of inappropriate behaviour | TSPL Cllr Faccenda said: 'I have been subjected to a drunken tirade by Councillor Day that actually forced me to leave a Christmas party in tears.' She also said that issues in the party had led her to sleepless nights, and that she had considered not attending Thursday's full council meeting due to Cllr Day's possible presence. Cllr Day resigned as council leader in December last year over allegations that he had sent unwanted inappropriate messages to two Ukrainian refugees. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was also administratively suspended by the Labour Party, pending an investigation. The council agreed to hold an investigation into the city's handling of misconduct complaints against him and other councillors and commissioned former Scottish information commissioner Kevin Dunion to carry it out. Mr Dunion's report, debated by councillors on Thursday, found that the city had 'inadequately' handled complaints into Cllr Day's behaviour. It further suggested that the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – needed to be addressed. Councillors have agreed to take action on recommendations made by the Dunion Report, including reforms to the city's whistleblowing system and improving safeguarding in the council. Cllr Day was recently readmitted to the Labour Party and the council's Labour group after a police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. And an investigation by Labour cleared him to return to the party. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNP group leader Simita Kumar said the report revealed a 'deeply troubling catalogue of allegations against Councillor Day'. 'The report references several instances and a number of individuals over a significant period of time,' she said. 'I am appalled to read the complainant's disclosures were dismissed as gossip. 'While councillor Day's actions may not have crossed a criminal threshold, his conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of us.' And she said the decision to readmit Cllr Day to the Labour Party was 'rushed and reckless', adding: 'This is a Labour group that have abandoned their moral compass.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier in the meeting, council leader Jane Meagher strongly affirmed that she welcomed the findings of the Dunion Report, which investigated the handling of reports against Cllr Day. SNP group leader Simita Kumar asked Cllr Meagher if she'd seen the full contents of the report. Cllr Meagher replied: 'As you know, as council leader, I take all complaints seriously. The party investigates all complaints in line with their rules and procedures. 'These investigations are done by specially trained staff in the party's governance and legal units. Quite rightly, I am not privy to any details of the Labour Party's deliberations. 'I do know that, after an investigation by the Labour Party, Cllr Day's administrative suspension has been lifted, and no conditions were attached. I look forward to working with Cammy again.'

Report on former council leader Cammy Day approved
Report on former council leader Cammy Day approved

Edinburgh Reporter

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Edinburgh Reporter

Report on former council leader Cammy Day approved

Former council leader Cammy Day has been accused of subjecting a fellow Labour councillor to a 'drunken tirade' at a Christmas party that left her in tears. Councillor Katrina Faccenda spoke out to say that she '[does] not welcome' Cllr Day's return into the party's group as Edinburgh Council agreed steps to address the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – and to improve the process of handling complaints against councillors. They were part of the recommendations from an independent report into the city's handling of misconduct allegations against Cllr Day. Directly addressed Councillor Day – who attended the meeting remotely – Cllr Faccenda said: 'I have been subjected to a drunken tirade by Councillor Day that actually forced me to leave a Christmas party in tears.' She also said that issues in the party had led her to sleepless nights, and that she had considered not attending Thursday's full council meeting due to Day's possible presence. Cllr Day resigned as council leader in December last year over allegations that he had sent unwanted inappropriate images to, and harassed, two Ukrainian refugees. He was administratively suspended by the Labour Party soon after, pending an investigation. The council agreed to hold an investigation into the city's handling of misconduct complaints against him and other councillors. It was debated by councillors on Thursday, and found that the city had 'inadequately' handled complaints into his behaviour. It further suggested that the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – needed to be addressed. Councillors have agreed to take action on recommendations made by the Dunion Report, including reforms to the city's whistleblowing system and improving safeguarding in the council. They also noted issues with the city's process for staff to complain against councillors, which can see complainants cross-examined in a Standards Committee meeting by the councillor they are making accusations against. Further, they agreed to request that dedicated safeguarding staff are placed in the City Chambers, to support complaints made by staff there. Cllr Day was recently readmitted to the Labour Party and the council's Labour group after a police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. And an investigation by Labour cleared him to be returned to the party, with recent press reports suggesting he may be appointed the convener of a council committee. SNP Cllr Simita Kumar said the report revealed a 'deeply troubling catalogue of allegations against Councillor Day'. 'The report references several instances and a number of individuals over a significant period of time,' she said. 'I am appalled to read the complainant's disclosures were dismissed as gossip. 'While councillor Day's actions may not have crossed a criminal threshold, his conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of us.' And she said the decision to readmit Cllr day to the Labour Party was 'rushed and reckless', adding: 'This is a Labour group that have abandoned their moral compass.' Earlier in the meeting, council leader Jane Meagher strongly affirmed that she welcomed the findings of the Dunion Report, which investigated the handling of reports against Cllr Day. SNP group leader Simita Kumar asked Cllr Meagher if she'd seen the full contents of the report. Cllr Meagher replied: 'As you know, as council leader, I take all complaints seriously. The party investigates all complaints in line with their rules and procedures. 'These investigations are done by specially trained staff in the party's governance and legal units. 'Quite rightly, I am not privy to any details of the Labour Party's deliberations. 'I do know that, after an investigation by the Labour Party, Cllr Day's administrative suspension has been lifted, and no conditions were attached. 'I look forward to working with Cammy again.' Cllr Kumar also asked: 'Cllr Day has been readmitted to the Labour group. Can the council leader tell us what steps she has taken to assure herself that Cllr Day is fit to sit as an elected representative?' Cllr Meagher replied: 'In response, I would like to draw back a little, and remind ourselves about the purpose of the Dunion Report. 'The purpose was not to reinvestigate any allegations, in this case against Cllr Day, but indeed about any elected member. 'It seems to me, in terms of double jeopardy, that it is morally, ethically, and possibly legally wrong to try somebody twice. 'In terms of the Dunion report, and my own commitment to supporting and working through, and enacting the recommendations in the report, then that will be my aim, rather than looking at what has already been dealt with by the police, by the Standards Commission, and the Labour Party itself. 'In terms of the Labour Party, it fully investigated any complaints about Cllr Day, he has been readmitted to the Labour Party without any conditions, therefore he is a councillor member of the Labour party, and therefore of the Labour group. Thank you.' Cllr Faccenda closed her speech by saying she would not back away from the Labour Party, and said she 'looked forward to hearing from [Cllr Day's] lawyers'. Earlier in the meeting, independent councillor and former Labour member Ross McKenzie challenged the party's whip, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, over a Facebook post in support of Cllr Day. Fighting for time with the Lord Provost, Cllr McKenzie asked Cllr Jenkinson about a post he made after the publication of the Dunion Report, which referred to the investigations into Cllr Day as a 'political hatchet job'. Cllr Jenkinson did not look at Cllr McKenzie as he was challenged, instead staring directly ahead. Conservative councillor Phil Doggart said senior officers had 'failed in their duty' in handling complaints made against Cllr Day. He continued to address councillors: 'All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. We [councillors] are responsible for the conduct of this organisation.' By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related

Edinburgh councillor accuses former leader of 'drunken tirade' at Christmas party
Edinburgh councillor accuses former leader of 'drunken tirade' at Christmas party

Edinburgh Live

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • Edinburgh Live

Edinburgh councillor accuses former leader of 'drunken tirade' at Christmas party

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former council leader Cammy Day has been accused of subjecting a fellow Labour councillor to a 'drunken tirade' at a Christmas party that left her in tears. Councillor Katrina Faccenda spoke out to say that she '[does] not welcome' Cllr Day's return into the party's group as Edinburgh Council agreed steps to address the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – ad to improve the process of handling complaints against councillors. They were part of the recommendations from an independent report into the city's handling of misconduct allegations against Cllr Day. Directly addressed Councillor Day - who attended the meeting remotely - Cllr Faccenda said: 'I have been subjected to a drunken tirade by Councillor Day that actually forced me to leave a Christmas party in tears.' She also said that issues in the party had led her to sleepless nights, and that she had considered not attending Thursday's full council meeting due to Day's possible presence. Cllr Day resigned as council leader in December last year over allegations that he had sent unwanted inappropriate images to, and harassed, two Ukrainian refugees. He was administratively suspended by the Labour Party soon after, pending an investigation. The council agreed to hold an investigation into the city's handling of misconduct complaints against him and other councillors. It was debated by councillors on Thursday, and found that the city had 'inadequately' handled complaints into his behaviour. It further suggested that the council's 'culture of hospitality' – including drinking events on city property – needed to be addressed. Councillors agreed with the recommendations of the report, and have backed an ask of officers to determine how to carry them out. Cllr Day was recently readmitted to the Labour Party and the council's Labour group after a police investigation cleared him of criminal wrongdoing. And an investigation by Labour cleared him to be returned to the party, with recent press reports suggesting he may be appointed the convener of a council committee. SNP Cllr Simita Kumar said the report revealed a 'deeply troubling catalogue of allegations against Councillor Day'. 'The report references several instances and a number of individuals over a significant period of time,' she said. 'I am appalled to read the complainant's disclosures were dismissed as gossip. 'While councillor Day's actions may not have crossed a criminal threshold, his conduct is not compatible with the standards expected of us.' And she said the decision to readmit Cllr day to the Labour Party was "rushed and reckless", adding: "This is a Labour group that have abandoned their moral compass." Earlier in the meeting, council leader Jane Meagher strongly affirmed that she welcomed the findings of the Dunion Report, which investigated the handling of reports against Cllr Day. But, in response to a question by SNP group leader Simita Kumar, she said she was 'looking forward to working with Cammy again'. Cllr Meagher also said she had not seen the outcome of Labour's investigation into Cllr Day. Cllr Faccenda closed her speech by saying she would not back away from the Labour Party, and said she 'looked forward to hearing from [Cllr Day's] lawyers'. Earlier in the meeting, independent councillor and former Labour member Ross McKenzie challenged the party's whip, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, over a Facebook post in support of Cllr Day. Fighting for time with the Lord Provost, Cllr McKenzie asked Cllr Jenkinson about a post he made after the publication of the Dunion Report, which referred to the investigations into Cllr Day as a 'political hatchet job'. Cllr Jenkinson did not look at Cllr McKenzie as he was challenged, instead staring directly ahead.

Report finds inadequacies and lost emails at the City Chambers
Report finds inadequacies and lost emails at the City Chambers

Edinburgh Reporter

time11-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Edinburgh Reporter

Report finds inadequacies and lost emails at the City Chambers

The City of Edinburgh Council will next week discuss a report by former Information Commissioner, Kevin Dunion, which he has presented to them after a four month long investigation. In February the council appointed Mr Dunion to report to them on matters surrounding former Council Leader, Cllr Cammy Day, who had resigned as council leader in December 2024 amid allegations of misconduct against him. In the report Mr Dunion suggests ending Christmas parties held by political groups within the City Chambers, questions the working arrangements of the council where officers work in Waverley Court while councillors work in offices on the High Street, and suggests a refreshed induction and training process for new councillors in regard to the Councillors Code of Conduct, with an annual refresher for existing councillors. Mr Dunion said many of his interviewees suggested the practice of holding such social events in the City Chambers should cease. He reminds councillors that the Code of Conduct revised in 2021 states that each one of the 63 elected in Edinburgh gives a personal undertaking: 'I will meet the public's expectations by ensuring that my conduct is above reproach.' There are also declarations on the part of the councillor that they will not engage in bullying or harassment. Chief Executive Paul Lawrence said: 'I want to thank Kevin Dunion for leading this sensitive review and for his report, not least given the complexity of the brief and tight timescales. 'I know this must have been challenging and a difficult experience for many people and I particularly want to thank those who came forward to be interviewed or provided information to the review. Your input is very much appreciated. 'Subject to approval by councillors next Thursday, we will bring a further report back to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in August, outlining our proposed actions in response to Mr Dunion's recommendations.' The Dunion Report Cllr Day denied any wrongdoing, saying that any communication of explicit photos on dating apps, which was the inappropriate behaviour he was accused of, was his personal business, but he stepped down as leader on 9 December 2024. He was also administratively suspended by the Labour Party. Police Scotland said there was not enough evidence to mount an investigation and the Ethical Standards Commissioner confirmed to The Edinburgh Reporter in April this year that there were no other complaints 'currently being investigated against Cllr Day' (except an historic one regarding a Labour Christmas party and whether booking procedures had been followed correctly). That complaint was made against Cllr Day and five of his Labour colleagues but was dismissed. Mr Dunion was charged with considering whether the allegations against Cllr Day were properly considered and investigated in line with the council's policies and procedures. The allegations involved two whistleblowing disclosures made in 2023, a complaint to the Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, in December 2023 and an anonymous complaint to the then Council Leader, Cllr Adam McVey, in 2018. Regarding this last complaint Mr Dunion writes: 'The Business Manager [to the Council Leader] at the time said that they would deal with it and responded on 17 May 2018 as follows: 'I am very sorry to read your email and as I handle the Leader's emails, I am responding to ask you to contact the police as we cannot take any action on such a serious allegation. Also, I am concerned that you need to approach someone or an organisation to help support you through this.' According to the former Council Leader, he did not see this response sent by his Business Manager until it was published online in 2024.' In relation to the 2018 allegation the finding is that the former council leader (Cllr McVey) 'now accepts that he should, at the least, have informed the Monitoring Officer'. He confirmed reading the email and discussing it with staff. Emails from 2018 – despite extensive investigations by an IT consultancy – could not be recovered, as the Council Leader's Business Manager had left the council by then, and that email account was removed. Although Cllr McVey mentioned the matter to a Chief Superintendent with whom he had a regular meeting, he was told that unless there was someone named (victim or perpetrator) then nothing could be done by the police. Despite allegations on social media and in the press of the content of the complaint, the handling of this is defined by Mr Dunion as inadequate – mainly due to the insufficient records kept by the council. Mr Dunion conducted interviews with 29 people and received 20 written representations from current and former councillors and council staff. All councillors had been invited to interview. Chief Executive Paul Lawrence said in his report to next week's council: 'As part of the remit all elected members and colleagues were invited to participate in the process.' SafeCall The whistleblowing procedure SafeCall deals with allegations of misconduct among council staff, and Mr Dunion suggests extending that to councillors as it might 'discourage unacceptable behaviour'. There is also a suggestion this confidential service could be extended to members of the public who could then use it to retain their anonymity. Mr Dunion said in the report: 'Even if Safecall advised them to go to the police, as the Business Manager did, at least a record of the complaint would exist, and the Monitoring Officer would have been aware of it. Consideration should be given to routing complainants to Safecall for the purpose of confidential information gathering and advice.' Leaks Mr Dunion was also asked to consider apparent leaks of confidential emails to the press and whether safeguards in the council are sufficient to prevent any instances of behaviour such as that alleged against the former council leader. He speculates that leaks may be politically motivated: 'Unfortunately, however, as has occurred there may be a temptation to leak details to cause political or personal embarrassment.' A confidential email from the Chief Executive to political group leaders found its way into the Daily Record in December 2024. As well as this, Mr Dunion found that text from a confidential report dating from May 2024 to the Whistleblowing Sub-Committee was leaked by someone who had access to the report – and who concluded that the unnamed senior individual in question was Cllr Day. Mr Dunion appears quite frustrated by this leak and said: 'I have interviewed the members of the Sub-Committee. They clearly understand the confidentiality requirements placed upon them regarding the reports they receive, as well as the verbal updates and discussions at committee. I have individually challenged each one over the leak, as to whether they are directly responsible for providing it to The Times or have disclosed the information to someone else who may have done so. All have denied doing so. Many have expressed a view on this however there is no evidence which would allow an assertion to be made by me. Nor are there any proportionate means within the limited capacity of this review to do more. 'There is no doubt however that this constitutes an egregious breach of the confidentiality requirements of Councillors Code of Conduct and undermines confidence in the whistleblowing process. It calls into question whether whistleblowing complaints regarding councillors should be investigated or whether the Whistleblowing Sub-Committee has to be provided with information regarding such investigations.' Mr Dunion has also suggested that the council uses the 2025 staff engagement survey for feedback on speaking up and raising concerns about possible bullying and harassment from councillors. Cllr Cammy Day was elected as Council Leader in 2022 Christmas parties The report mentions in particular the Christmas parties held by all political groups within the City Chambers when alcohol is served. There is a council policy on alcohol for staff, but not for councillors, and it advises staff not to allow themselves to become intoxicated or their judgement impaired. If they do then there is a clear warning of disciplinary action. After a 2023 party it is alleged that a young Ukrainian man made a complaint of sexual harassment to a councillor who communicated it to councillors in another political party. 'It referenced unsolicited messages and images being sent through social media which continued even after asking for the behaviour to stop. The recipient was said to be feeling extremely harassed.' There is a complex timeline regarding this complaint and one other which were made anonymously or semi-anonymously. Neither were followed up on by the complainants, with the first unable to provide evidence. As is usual, nothing of these whistleblowing complaints was communicated to Cllr Day until December 2024. The report states: 'The complained of councillor is not mentioned by name in the email exchanges. However, in conversation prior to the formal email being submitted, the Chief Executive was made aware that it related to Councillor Day.' The Chief Executive did raise this matter with police, but they deemed there was insufficient evidence for any investigation to take place. In regard to this complaint Mr Dunion was content that proper procedure had been followed. Mr Dunion has now presented the report in which he outlines in some detail what happened since December 2024, and makes recommendations as to what the council will do about his findings. Recommendations Mr Dunion has made 14 recommendations: (i) Review procedures currently in place for dealing with potentially inappropriate behaviour by Councillors. Clarify and expand routes of complaints. (ii) Ensure, whatever the source, that a record of complaints, and responses to them, are maintained, even if it is informally addressed or resolved, to reflect the Councillors Code of Conduct provisions regarding Bullying and Harassment. (iii) Distinguish between the source of complaints. For staff members, the response should seek to align with HR policies and have a clear escalation and feedback route, as well as consideration of recording and monitoring to allow actions to be agreed and implemented. (iv) Review and communicate safeguarding arrangements for those who raise complaints. (v) Ensure that Council staff, line managers, Speak Up Supporters, Trade Unions and Colleague Networks are aware of the provisions at (iii) and (iv) above. (vi) Where appropriate, details in relation to specific managerial response or handling of complaints to be passed to Service Director – HR for consideration of potential actions in line with relevant HR Policy. (vii) Consider inclusion of relevant speaking up and raising concerns questions to gain wider staff feedback as part of colleague engagement survey due to be conducted during 2025 to allow further actions to be considered. (viii) Review the Whistleblowing policy and the extent to which complaints against councillors from the public will be accepted for information gathering and escalation. (ix) Consideration should be given to referring complainants to Safecall for the purpose of information gathering and advice. (x) Review the scrutiny function of the Whistleblowing Sub-Committee, as to whether or to what extent it can propose operational actions to resolve complaints. (xi) In the event it is decided to accept Whistleblowing complaints against councillors, consider measures to avoid conflict of interest and reduce the prospect of breaches of confidence, such as restricted information being provided to the Whistleblowing Sub-Committee. (xii) Refresh induction and training process for new councillors and undertake annual refresher training for existing Councillors on Councillors Code of Conduct, incorporating the Protocol for Relationships between Councillors and Employees and Advice Note for Councillors on Bullying and Harassment, as well as any other relevant City of Edinburgh Council specific guidance or procedures, including that when agreed at (i) above. (xiii) As part of wider culture and fostering trust, consider the impact of the current working locations, and relationship and networking opportunities with Councillors and staff. (xiv) Consider the appropriateness of social events and hospitality arrangements. Edinburgh City Chambers. Photo: © 2022, Martin P. McAdam Like this: Like Related

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