Appendix 4 Whistleblowing Policy – Staff must acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of concern to the attention of senior management and/or relevant agencies. Although this can be difficult this is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk. You may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but may not feel able to express your concerns out of a feeling that this would be disloyal to colleagues or you may fear harassment or victimisation. These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child or young person continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember it is often the most vulnerable children or young people who are targeted. These children need someone like you to safeguard their welfare. Don't what if I'm wrong - think what if I’m right Reasons for whistle blowing Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns unacceptable practice or • behaviour To prevent the problem worsening or To protect or reduce risks to • • To prevent becoming implicated yourself • What stops people from whistle blowing Fear of starting a chain of events which spirals out of control Disrupting the work or • • Fear of getting it Fear of repercussions or damaging careers • • Fear of not being believed • How to raise a concern You should voice your concerns, suspicions or uneasiness as soon as you feel you • can. The earlier a concern is expressed the easier and sooner action can be taken Try to pinpoint exactly what practice is concerning you and why • Approach the Designated Teachers for Protection • If your concern is about a designated teacher for child protection, speak to the Chair of • Governors or if you feel you need to take it to someone outside the school, contact the Education Child Protection Service Make sure you get a satisfactory response - don't let matters rest. Ideally, you should • put your concerns in writing, outlining the background and history, giving names, dates
Appendix 4 – Whistleblowing Policy Staff must acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of concern to the attention of senior management and/or relevant agencies. Although this can be difficult this is particularly important where the welfare of children may be at risk. You may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but may not feel able to express your concerns out of a feeling that this would be disloyal to colleagues or you may fear harassment or victimisation. These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child or young person continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember it is often the most vulnerable children or young people who are targeted. These children need someone like you to safeguard their welfare. Don't what if I'm wrong - think what if I’m right Reasons for whistle blowing • Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns unacceptable practice or behaviour • To prevent the problem worsening or • To protect or reduce risks to • To prevent becoming implicated yourself What stops people from whistle blowing • Fear of starting a chain of events which spirals out of control • Disrupting the work or • Fear of getting it • Fear of repercussions or damaging careers • Fear of not being believed How to raise a concern • You should voice your concerns, suspicions or uneasiness as soon as you feel you can. The earlier a concern is expressed the easier and sooner action can be taken • Try to pinpoint exactly what practice is concerning you and why • Approach the Designated Teachers for Protection • If your concern is about a designated teacher for child protection, speak to the Chair of Governors or if you feel you need to take it to someone outside the school, contact the Education Child Protection Service • Make sure you get a satisfactory response - don't let matters rest. Ideally, you should put your concerns in writing, outlining the background and history, giving names, dates
REAch2-Hillyfield-Academy-Child-Protection-and-Safeguarding-Policy-1.docx