asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for Education and Skills has any arrangements to enable staff of that department to raise, in confidence, concerns about matters of financial reporting, disclosure of other information or value for money; and, if so, whether they will give details of the arrangements.[HL7615]

The department has processes in place that enables members of staff to raise in confidence any issues of concern. Staff are encouraged to report concerns initially to their line manager, but where they feel unable to do so, they can approach the department's whistleblowing officer or the Permanent Secretary in confidence. Staff also have access to independent advice at any stage of the process including the trade union or whistleblowing charity Public Concern at Work.

The department's process also deals with concerns about matters of financial reporting, disclosure of other information or value for money. The department's fraud policy statement encourages staff to report concerns to their line manager or to use the other reporting options, which are available via the whistleblowing policy, the fraud hotline or by talking directly to special investigation unit staff.

The department treats all allegations seriously and encourages a culture in which staff can challenge in an open and honest way.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has any arrangements to enable staff of that department to raise, in confidence, concerns about matters of financial reporting, disclosure of other information or value for money; and, if so, whether they will give details of the arrangements.[HL7651]

The department has in place whistleblowing arrangements for staff to report their suspicions of fraud and other suspected anomalies.

These have been drawn up in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. They aim to encourage staff to submit concerns in good faith in the knowledge that they will be protected from victimisation or harassment which may come about as a result of their disclosure. They comprise clear guidance available to all staff through the intranet; an e-mail “hotline” to a nominated director; and ultimate right of referral to the Permanent Secretary.

The department also has arrangements for raising concerns under the Civil Service Code where staff are encouraged to raise issues where they believe they are being asked to act contrary to the code. Under these arrangements staff are asked to talk to their line manager or to the department's nominated officers.