Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee has reviewed a bi-annual whistleblowing monitoring report, which highlighted a growing trend of referrals concerning employment-related matters and decisions. The LB Islington 2025-2026 Whistleblowing Monitoring Report noted a notable emerging trend is the growing proportion of referrals concerning employment-related matters and decisions.
The report, which covered the period from 1 February 2025 to 31 July 2025, was presented at the committee's meeting on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. According to the meeting agenda, the committee was asked to note the report.
During the specified period, eight referrals met the criteria for whistleblowing. These new referrals were added to the 16 previously reported cases that remained open from March 2025. Of those 16 referrals, the report stated that:
- 3 referrals are still open
- 9 referrals were closed – allegations not substantiated/ unable to pursue
- 4 referrals were closed – allegations substantiated/partially substantiated
Since April 2025, whistleblowing referral data has been shared monthly with the Statutory Officers' meeting. The LB Islington 2025-2026 Whistleblowing Monitoring Report notes that this data sharing is for the purpose of the Statutory Officers' meeting.
The council's Whistleblowing Officer was the Head of Internal Audit, Investigations and Risk Management until 30 June 2025. As of 1 July 2025, the acting Director of Finance has taken on the role of acting Whistleblowing Officer.
The Audit and Risk Committee convened at the Town Hall, with Councillor Paul Convery chairing the session. Other attendees included Councillor Nurullah Turan, Councillor Janet Burgess MBE, Councillor Caroline Russell, and Councillor Satnam Gill OBE.
