§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place for staff in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to raise matters of concern with(a) their superiors and (b) ministers. [160515]
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 11 March 2004]: Home Office staff can raise concerns or matters of conscience either with the Head of Department or confidentially with a nominated official outside their line management chain and, if still dissatisfied, have the right to raise the matter with the Civil Service Commissioners. If events develop so rapidly that it is not possible to follow this procedure, staff may write to the Head of Department who will advise the Departmental Minister, if applicable, and inform the Head of the Home Civil Service. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 30 March column 1433 that a telephone hotline would be set up alongside the existing procedures for staff to raise concerns or matters of conscience.