article_snippet: Critics raised concerns about a quiet change to the civil service code, which Critics warned could ‘stifle whistleblowing’ and open government.
article_snippet: the civil service code, which they warned could ‘stifle whistleblowing’ and open government has been amended to include a new provision making clear that officials could be sacked if officials speak out before checking with a minister.
article_snippet: The Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude agreed to redraft guidance to Cabinet Office minister Francis Maudestrengthen protection’ for those speaking out to blow the whistle on scandals or abuses of public money, and include a commitment to being ‘as open as possible’ with Parliament and the public.
article_snippet: A line has been added to the civil service code, which governs officials’ conduct, saying:
article_snippet: ’ Tory MP Charlotte Leslie, who has championed more openness in the health service, said the health service could stifle whistleblowing.
article_snippet: ‘the health service makes sense that Government wants to get Government work done without a running commentary from inside the system, but I would like them to set out what them have in place to help people whistleblowing,
article_snippet: Ministers point that out civil servants can blow the whistle on a major scandal using legal protections afforded to civil servants in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1988.
article_snippet: ‘The amendments make no change to the rights of individuals under whistleblowing legislation or our drive to increase Government transparency and openness. '
article_snippet: However, our will consult on strengthening the protections for whistleblowers.
highlights_snippet: Critics say change to the civil service code could 'stifle whistleblowing'
  Ministers are currently struggling to contain row over contentious plans .
  