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The Whistleblowing Procedure sets out the framework for dealing with allegations of illegal and improper conduct.
Inspiring Teachers is committed to the highest standards of transparency, probity, integrity, and accountability.
This procedure is intended to provide a means of making serious allegations about standards, conduct, financial irregularity, or possible unlawful action in a way that will ensure confidentiality and protect those making such allegations in the reasonable belief that it is in the public interest to do so from being victimized, discriminated against or disadvantaged.
This procedure does not replace other policies and procedures such as the complaints procedure, the Grievance and Harassment, and Bullying Policies, and other specifically laid down statutory reporting procedures.
This procedure is intended to ensure that Inspiring Teachers complies with its duty under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
This procedure applies to all Inspiring Teachers employees, including Associates, Trustees, and contractors.
This procedure does not replace other Inspiring Teachers policies or procedures. For example, if an employee has a grievance about their working conditions they should use the Grievance Policy, or if they felt that their manager or a colleague was treating them unfavourably, they should use the Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy. Similarly, if an employee has a concern about the conduct of a fellow employee in the working environment (e.g. that they are not treating colleagues with respect) they should raise these with their line manager, or if that is not possible, with the CEO, Treasurer of Trustees or through the Charity Commission’s whistleblowing policy whistleblowing@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk
This procedure applies to, but is not limited to, allegations about any of the following:
Contact details for reporting (in writing):
Sarah Morton (Trustee): sarahelizabethmorton@hotmail.co.uk
Simon Graffy (trustee): simon.graffy@inspiringteachers.org
Inspiring Teachers recognize that the decision to make an allegation can be a difficult one to make. However, whistleblowers who make serious allegations in the reasonable belief that it is in the public interest to do so have nothing to fear because they are doing their duty either to Inspiring Teachers and/or to those for whom Inspiring Teachers is providing a service.
Inspiring Teachers will take appropriate action to protect a whistleblower who makes a serious allegation in the reasonable belief that it is in the public interest to do so from any reprisals, harassment, or victimization.
All allegations will be treated in confidence and every effort will be made not to reveal a whistleblower’s identity unless the whistleblower otherwise requests. However, if the matter is subsequently dealt with through other procedures such as the Disciplinary Procedure then other policies may need to be followed.
Similarly, if the allegation results in court proceedings then the whistleblower may have to give evidence in open court if the case is to be successful.
Inspiring Teachers will not, without the whistleblower’s consent, disclose the identity of a whistleblower to anyone other than a person involved in the investigation/allegation.
This procedure encourages whistleblowers to put their name to an allegation wherever possible as anonymous allegations may often be difficult to substantiate/prove. Allegations made anonymously are much less powerful but anonymous allegations will be considered at the discretion of the CEO/Trustees.
In exercising discretion to accept an anonymous allegation the factors to be taken into account:
No disciplinary or other action will be taken against a whistleblower who makes an allegation in the reasonable belief that it is in the public interest to do so even if the allegation is not substantiated by an investigation. However, disciplinary action may be taken against a whistleblower who makes an allegation without reasonable belief that it is in the public interest to do so (e.g. making an allegation frivolously, maliciously, or for personal gain where there is no element of public interest).
It is preferable for allegations to be made to an employee’s immediate manager to whom they report. However, this may depend on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issues involved and who is suspected of the malpractice. For example, if the whistleblower believes that management is involved it would be inappropriate to raise it directly with them. The whistleblower may then make an allegation direct to any of the following:
If either of the above receives an allegation he/she will consider the allegation and may discuss it with either the CEO or other Trustees. The line manager (or either/or both) of the above, after consideration, will discuss with the whistleblower and if they wish to proceed with the allegation will be investigated.
Whether a written or oral report is made it is important that relevant information is provided including:
Someone making an allegation may be accompanied by another person of their choosing during any meetings or interviews in connection with the allegation. However, if the matter is subsequently dealt with through another procedure the right to be accompanied will at that stage be in accordance with the relevant procedure.
The line manager will record details of the allegation gathering as much information as possible, (within 5 working days of receipt of the allegation) including:
The investigator will ask the whistleblower for his/her preferred means of communication and contact details and use these for all communications with the whistleblower in order to preserve confidentiality.
If the allegation relates to fraud, potential fraud, or other financial irregularity the Treasurer will be informed within 5 working days of receipt of the allegation. The Treasurer will determine whether the allegation should be investigated and the method of investigation.
If the allegation discloses evidence of a criminal offense it will immediately be reported to the Board of Trustees and a decision will be made as to whether to inform the Police. If the allegation concerns suspected harm to children the appropriate authorities will be informed immediately.
If the issue is around suspected harm to vulnerable adults, the Vulnerable Adults policy, the Mental Capacity Act Policy, and the Deprivation of Liberty and Safeguarding Policies should be referred to.
Where the allegation has been made internally and anonymously, obviously Inspiring Teachers will be unable to communicate what action has been taken.
Inspiring Teachers will take steps to minimize any difficulties which may be experienced as a result of making an allegation. For instance, if a whistleblower is required to give evidence in criminal or disciplinary proceedings Inspiring Teachers will arrange for them to receive advice about the procedure and advise on the support mechanisms that are available.
Inspiring Teachers accept that whistleblowers need to be assured that the matter has been properly addressed. Thus, subject to legal constraints, we will inform those making allegations of the outcome of any investigation.
The CEO and Treasure of Trustees have overall responsibility for the operation of this Procedure and for determining the administrative processes to be followed and the format of the records to be kept.
A Register will record the following details:
The Register will be confidential and only available for inspection by the Board of Trustees.
The CEO will report annually to the Board of Trustees on the operation of the Procedure and on the whistleblowing allegations made during the period covered by the report. The report will be in a form that does not identify whistleblowers.
Last Updated: 25 May 2021
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