10.13 Whistle blowing policy
The whistle blowing procedure aims to help and protect staff, volunteers, students and children. By following the procedure you are acting to:
The earlier you raise a concern, the easier and sooner it is possible for the setting to take action.
Introduction
Thorpe Acre Preschool Playgroup is committed to the highest possible standards and recognises that its staff, students and volunteers are often the first to realise that there may be something wrong within the setting. However, they may not express their concerns, because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues, or they may fear harassment or victimisation. In these circumstances, it may be easier to ignore the concern, rather than report what may just be a suspicion of malpractice.
Concerns that should be raised via the Whistle Blowing Policy may be in relation to the actions/behaviours of other staff, students or volunteers, or about something that is perceived as:
· Damaging to the environment
· A misuse of money
· Corruption or unethical conduct
· Abuse of clients or service users
Policy statement
The aim of the Policy and associated procedures, is to establish an internal procedure that will encourage and enable staff, students and volunteers to raise concerns about any aspect of the practice (which do not meet the criteria for being dealt with as a complaint, grievance or allegation) at Thorpe Acre Preschool Playgroup, in confidence and without fear of reprisals, to ensure that the setting continues to work within best practice and safeguard children, young people and adults.
Principles
This policy is based on the following fundamental principles:
Procedures
Raising a concern
Staff, students and volunteers should raise concerns with the manager or member of the management committee. Concerns should include:
Staff who feel they are unable to put their concerns in writing, can speak with either the manager or a member of the management committee in person.
Who to contact
You should contact one of the following people in confidence:
_________________________Rachel Dashi – Manager ________________________________
_________________________Claire Walker – Registered Person________________________
_________________________Lesley Giles - Chair of the Committee_______________________
Telephone numbers of committee can be found displayed in the office.
Other contacts: NSPCC Whistleblowing helpline 08000 280 285
Public Concerns at Work – online or 02074 046 609
OFSTED Whistleblowing Helpline 03001 233 155
Investigation
The action taken will depend on the nature of the concern. All matters raised, with the exception of allegations of abuse against of staff member, or unlawful activity, will be investigated internally.
The appropriate person/s will investigate the concerns, thoroughly, promptly and confidentially and the outcome of the investigation will be reported back within 10 working days.
The response should include details of how the matter was investigated, conclusions drawn from the investigation, and whom to contact should the staff member be unhappy with the response that indicates:
In order to protect individuals, initial enquiries (usually involving a meeting with the individual raising the concern),
will be made to decide whether an investigation that raises issues that fall within the scope of other policies/procedures, will be addressed under those procedures. Some concerns may be resolved at this initial stage simply, by an agreed action or an explanation regarding the concern, without the need for further investigation.
If you do not feel that the complaint has been dealt with effectively or you still have concerns, you have the right to refer your concerns to Ofsted.
Allegations of abuse against adults who work or volunteer in the setting
If an allegation is made against a staff member or volunteer, the following action will be taken as per our Safeguarding Children Policy and Guidance.
Legal framework
This policy was adopted by |
Thorpe Acre Preschool Playgroup |
(name of provider) |
On |
September 19 |
(date) |
Date to be reviewed |
Septemer 20 |
(date) |
Signed on behalf of the provider |
|
|
Name of signatory |
|
|
Role of signatory (e.g. chair, director or owner) |
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SEPTEMBER 19