Stephen Kerr MSP Calls for StrongerWhistleblowing Protections in Scottish Schools

Stephen Kerr, a Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, has championed amendments to the Education (Scotland) Bill to create an independent whistleblowing framework in schools.

He argued this was vital to protect staff who spoke up about safeguarding failures, mismanagement, or malpractice—without fear of retaliation. He said he believed such reforms would:

• Build a culture of honesty and accountability

• Improve learner safety

• Strengthen ethical leadership

• Help retain talented professionals

Drawing on lessons from the NHS, Kerr insisted that education needed robust, independent processes to hear and address concerns. He argued these changes were not just policy improvements, but a moral imperative to protect the public interest in Scottish education.

Although the SNP Government did not accept the amendments, Cabinet Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP said she supported fostering a more positive approach to whistleblowing, but did not believe the Education (Scotland) Bill was the appropriate vehicle to address the issue.