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Whistleblowing PolicyWhistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. It enables staff to raise concerns about including but not limited to:
This is different from a grievance, which relates to a personal concern (e.g. issues with pay, workload, relationships). Grievances should be raised through the staff grievance procedure. Protection Staff & volunteers can speak up without fear of harassment, victimisation (including informal pressure), discrimination, or other disadvantage. Any investigation into allegations of potential malpractice will not influence or be influenced by disciplinary or other procedures already affecting the relevant member/s of staff. There will be no backlash if a member of staff reasonably believes they have made a disclosure in good faith. However, if a deliberately malicious & untrue allegation is made, the disclosing member of staff may be subject to disciplinary measures. Confidentiality Wild Monkeys Childcare Ltd will make every effort to handle allegations according to our Data Protection & Confidentiality Policy. This includes withholding the identities of staff member/s & volunteers involved, if they so wish. However, during the course of an investigation, it may become necessary to disclose this information to the relevant authorities. If this is required, the staff member/s in question will be informed. Raising a concern The first step for staff & volunteers wishing to raise a concern should be to report the concern to their Manager or Deputy Manager. However, if the staff member has reason to believe that their Manager and/or Deputy Manager are involved in the issue, the staff member should contact the Owner, Valerie Wild. All contact details can be found in this policy or our Safeguarding Policy. However, it is always best to confirm these details online, as they may change between reviews of this policy. If you have a low level concern please see our low level concern policy. WHISTLEBLOWING AND COMPLAINTS We recognize that children cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff members fail to do so. We will ensure that everyone is aware of their duty to raise concerns about the management of safeguarding and child protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues (including low level concerns). This includes: · staff members · volunteers · students If there is a concern staff will speak as appropriate with the: · DSL · setting leader · Manager · the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). This can be done via the online portal. Should staff not feel able to raise concerns they can call the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice helpline on 0800 028 0285. Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Staff may raise concerns anonymously; however, we encourage staff & volunteers to put their name to allegations. Written reports should ideally contain the background and history of the concern, giving names, dates, and places where possible, and the reasons for making the disclosure. This will make the investigation easier to complete. Procedure Wild Monkeys Childcare Ltd will respond to any concerns raised. In order to protect staff & volunteers, initial enquiries will be made to determine whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take. Some concerns may be resolved by agreed action without the need for investigation. If urgent action is required, this will be taken before any investigation is conducted. The staff member/s in question will be told how Wild Monkeys Childcare Ltd intends to deal with a concern within 15 working days. If necessary, Wild Monkeys Childcare Ltd will escalate concerns to the necessary authorities. Allegations involving children will be handled according to our Safeguarding Policy. Key contactsForest setting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Kerry Keefe – 07818505469 [email protected] Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) Rebecca Todd – 07818505469 [email protected] Named person for dealing with allegations Valerie Hill/Jenny Lelliot – 07818505469 [email protected] Beach setting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Katie Fossella – 07818505469 [email protected] Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) Rebecca Todd – 07818505469 [email protected] Named person for dealing with allegations Valerie Hill/Jenny Lelliot – 07818505469 [email protected] Nature Setting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Rebecca Todd – 07818505469 [email protected] Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) Kerry Keefe – 07818505469 [email protected] Named person for dealing with allegations Valerie Hill/Jenny Lelliot – 07818505469 [email protected] LADO - Allegations about adults who work with children - the LADO | East Sussex County Council NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice helpline - 0800 028 0285.
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