FOI Request - Governance and Whistleblowing in ALEOs

Request 101003900010

I request the following information relating to the council’s use of Arms Length External Organisations (ALEOs) and associated governance arrangements:

1. ALEO Landscape

•  The number of ALEOs currently operating under the council’s remit.
•  A list of ALEOs, including their legal form (company, trust, charity, CIC, etc.).

2. Board Composition

•  The number of volunteer trustees or non executive directors serving on ALEO boards.
•  The number of councillors appointed to ALEO boards, including any instances where councillors have served as Chair or Vice Chair.

3. Whistleblowing Disclosures

•  Records of any disclosures made to ALEO board members, by the Council or any of its representatives, at the point of appointment regarding whistleblowing protections or exclusions.
•  Copies of template appointment letters or induction packs issued to ALEO board members since 2015.
•  Confirmation of whether ALEO board members are covered by the council’s whistleblowing policy.

4. Policy and Review Records

•  Records/minutes of any governance committee discussions relating to whistleblowing policy updates since 2015.

5. Training and Awareness

•  Attendance records or certificates of completion for whistleblowing training sessions arranged by the Council or its representatives.

6. Governance Oversight

•  Records of conflicts of interest declared by councillors serving on ALEO boards since 2015.
•  Records of any disputes, complaints, or investigations involving ALEOs since 2015, including whistleblowing related matters.
•  Correspondence with Audit Scotland, OSCR, or the Standards Commission regarding ALEO governance.

7. External Auditors’ Role

•  Records of any issues raised by the council’s external auditors (Audit Scotland or appointed firms) regarding whistleblowing policies, governance of ALEOs, or protections for trustees/non executive directors since 2015.
•  Copies of external audit management letters, reports, or recommendations relating to ALEO governance or whistleblowing.
•  Confirmation of whether external auditors have ever raised concerns about the council’s whistleblowing policy or its application to ALEO board members.