Whistleblowing Policy
Introduction:
Whistle blowing is when staff disclosure what they consider malpractice.
Space 2B You is committed too, and this policy encourages and enables staff to raise serious concerns within the organisation initially rather than ignoring a problem. Space 2B You ensures the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and service. Therefore, Space 2B You expect all staff and contractors to maintain the same standards in their professional duties and are encouraged to report any concerns about Space 2B You or colleagues/staff.
Employees are often the first to notice malpractice within an organisation. However, they may not raise their concerns, as they may fear victimisation, discrimination, harassment or may believe they are being disloyal to their colleagues or Space 2B You.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects employees who report concerns within the workplace. Space 2B You is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. Therefore, the aim of this policy is to ensure all staff feel comfortable and safe to report any concerns and know they will be taken seriously, addressed, and fully investigated. This policy document makes it clear that staff can do so in strict confidence without fear of reprisals.
Objective:
Space 2B You are committed to providing the highest standard of service, openness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. Therefore, the aim of this policy is to ensure all staff feel comfortable, safe and know how to report concerns and know they will be taken seriously, addressed, and fully investigated. This policy document makes it clear that staff can do so in strict confidence without fear of reprisals.
Scope:
This policy applies to all staff working with Space 2B You.
Aims of this Policy:
To provide the necessary procedure for staff to raise concerns and receive feedback on any action taken.
To allow staff to proceed further if they are dissatisfied with Space 2B You response.
Reassure staff that they will be protected from reprisals, harassment, and victimisation for rising matters in good faith.
Subject matter of the Disclosure:
This policy is intended to cover concerns that fall outside the scope of other Space 2B You Policy and Procedures. This includes:
(a) A criminal offence has been committed, is being committed or is likely to be committed.
(b) A person has failed, is failing or is likely to fail to comply with any legal obligation.
(c) Miscarriage of justice has occurred is occurring or is likely to occur.
(d) The health and/or safety of any individual has been, is being or is likely to be endangered.
Safeguard:
Space 2B You will take action to protect any staff member from harassment and/or victimisation who discloses concerns in good faith. However, if the staff member is already the subject of disciplinary procedures, those procedures will not be halted because of the disclosure.
Space 2B You will not reveal the identity of any staff member who makes a disclosure. During the investigation, a statement from the staff member may be required, however, they will not be identified as the originator of the allegations being investigated.
Procedures for Disclosures:
Staff should initially raise concerns with the directors. This depends, however, on the gravity and sensitivity of the issue and who is thought to be involved in the malpractice. If the employee feels one of the directors are involved, then they should approach the other director. If staff are concerned both directors are involved in malpractice, they should approach the clinical supervisor who will advise of the next steps. If the contractor does not feel comfortable speaking with the clinical supervisor or satisfied, they are advised to follow the commissioner whistleblowing policy. If contractors continue to be dissatisfied, they are advised to contact Space 2B You Insurance provider (please see contact details) and/or their Registered Professional Body who will provide advice and support. Space 2B You encourages employees to disclose the information through the appropriate channels first, rather than going directly to an outside person or body. Space 2B You also encourage staff to raise concerns through written communication and complete the Whistleblowing form (see appendix). Staff will be asked to explain the background, history of the concerns, names, dates and places where possible. If they do not feel comfortable putting their concerns in writing, they may telephone or arrange to meet a with the Directors.
How Space 2B You will respond:
The action taken by Space 2B You will be dependent on the nature of concerns raised. Actions may include:
(a) Internal investigation
(b) Being referred to the police
(c) Being referred to the external auditor
(d) form the subject of an independent inquiry
To protect individuals and Space 2B You, we will make initial enquiries in ordered to make the decision as to whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so, what form it should take. Some concerns may be resolved without the need for investigation.
Space 2B You are aware some concerns cannot be dealt with internally and external authorities will need to become involved. Where this is necessary Space 2B You reserves the right to make such a referral without your consent.
Space 2B You will indicate how it proposes to deal with concerns within ten working days of a disclosure being made. A Space 2B You representative dealing with the concerns will explain the decision. If the discloser is not satisfied with the decision, they will be advised to who to contact.
Data Security and Protection:
Personal identifying Information concerning clients or staff is strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to unauthorised persons. This obligation shall continue in perpetuity. Disclosures of confidential information or disclosures of any data of a personal nature can result in prosecution for an offence under the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 or an action for civil damages under the same Act. In addition, Space 2B you may take disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Action:
Breach of this Policy may result in disciplinary action including dismissal. Please see Codes of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
Contact Details:
If staff members have any concerns, please contact Space 2B You directors Marie-Anne McKee and Alison Joyce.
Telephone:
020 3048 3331 (ext. 301)
Email:
alison.joyce@space2byou.co.uk
marie-anne.mckee@space2byou.co.uk
Dennis.neill@space2byou.co.uk
Insurance details:
Caring Services Division
Towergate Insurance
Kings Court
London Road
Stevenage
SG1 2GA
01438 735251