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Whistleblowing Policy

 

 

1. Purpose

 

This policy enables staff, tutors, volunteers and contractors to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practice or misconduct within the organisation. It ensures concerns are addressed promptly, safely and without fear of reprisal.

 

2. Principles

 

 

  • Whistleblowing protects pupils, staff and the integrity of the organisation.

  • Individuals must feel safe to raise concerns in good faith.

  • Concerns will be investigated fairly, promptly and confidentially.

  • Whistleblowers are protected from victimisation, dismissal or disadvantage.

  • Safeguarding and legal duties take priority in all decision-making.

 

 

3. Scope

 

This policy covers concerns relating to:

 

  • Safeguarding failures or risks to pupils

  • Criminal activity or suspected criminal activity

  • Fraud, theft or financial misconduct

  • Breaches of legal or statutory duties

  • Serious breaches of organisational policy

  • Health and safety risks

  • Attempts to conceal wrongdoing

  • Discriminatory or abusive behaviour by staff

  • Conflicts of interest affecting professional judgement

 

It does not cover personal employment grievances, which must follow the Grievance Procedure.

 

4. Duty to Report Concerns

 

All staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns where:

 

  • A child may be at risk

  • A colleague behaves inappropriately

  • Unsafe practice is observed

  • Organisational policies or legal requirements are breached

 

Concerns may be raised even if they are based on reasonable suspicion rather than certainty.

 

5. How to Raise a Concern

 

Whistleblowing concerns may be raised:

 

  • Verbally or in writing

  • With the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • With a senior manager or Director

  • Directly to external bodies if internal reporting is unsafe or inappropriate

 

Concerns should include:

 

  • What happened

  • When it happened

  • Who was involved

  • Any evidence or observations

  • Whether the issue is ongoing

 

Urgent safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.

 

6. Safeguarding Concerns

 

If the concern involves the welfare or safety of a pupil:

 

  • The DSL must be informed without delay

  • If the concern involves the DSL, staff must contact the Director or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

  • External agencies (such as social care or police) may be contacted directly if the situation requires

 

National whistleblowing advice lines may also be used.

 

7. Protection for Whistleblowers

 

Staff are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Whistleblowers will not face:

 

  • Disciplinary action

  • Dismissal

  • Loss of employment rights

  • Threats or retaliation

  • Harassment or victimisation

 

Anyone who attempts retaliation against a whistleblower will face disciplinary action.

 

8. Confidentiality

 

Whistleblowers may request confidentiality.

The organisation will protect their identity unless:

 

  • Required by law (e.g., police investigation)

  • Necessary to prevent harm

  • The whistleblower consents to disclosure

 

Anonymous whistleblowing is accepted, though it may limit the ability to investigate fully.

 

9. Investigation Procedure

 

 

  1. The concern is acknowledged and recorded.

  2. A senior manager or designated investigator reviews the concern.

  3. Evidence is gathered through interviews, documentation and observation.

  4. The whistleblower may be asked for further information.

  5. Findings are reported to senior leadership.

  6. Appropriate action is taken, which may include:

     

    • Disciplinary action

    • Policy changes

    • Safeguarding referrals

    • Notification of external authorities

     

 

The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome as far as legally permissible.

 

10. Escalation to External Authorities

 

If internal processes cannot safely or appropriately address the concern, or if the whistleblower believes the issue remains unresolved, concerns may be raised with external bodies such as:

 

  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

  • Children’s Social Care

  • Police

  • Ofsted (if applicable)

  • NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline

  • Health and Safety Executive

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

 

Whistleblowers will not be penalised for contacting legitimate external authorities.

 

11. Malicious or False Allegations

 

Deliberately false or malicious allegations are unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action.

However, if a concern is raised in good faith—even if it proves unfounded—no action will be taken against the whistleblower.

 

12. Record Keeping

 

All whistleblowing concerns, investigations and outcomes will be:

 

  • Recorded accurately

  • Stored securely

  • Accessible only to authorised staff

  • Reviewed periodically to identify patterns or systemic issues

 

 

13. Review

 

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, safeguarding guidance or organisational needs change.