THERE have been plenty of examples of scandals in recent years which have been exposed by individuals who were brave enough put their own jobs and futures on the line to make facts public.

In the public services sector it is especially important that suspicions of incompetence, unacceptable behaviour or outright wrongdoing should be brought to light and properly investigated. This is not just because public money might be being wasted or misappropriated but also because in the health, police and local authority sectors lives could be put at risk.

In a properly-run organisation, whistleblowers need to feel confident that raising genuine concerns will not be detrimental to their careers.

It’s good news, therefore, that the number of whistleblower complaints about possible malpractice and misconduct at Lancashire County Council has tripled.

The increase shouldn’t necessarily be read as meaning misconduct itself is increasing.

More than half of the claims in a 12-month period were found to be unsubstantiated or withdrawn.

What’s important is that more staff feel able to use confidential procedures without fear of reprisal.