Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure for Schools

5.1 Whistleblowing occurs when an employee or worker raises a concern about a dangerous or illegal activity that they are aware of through their work and that may affect others, e.g. pupils, members of the public including parents and guardians, or the School. A concern raised, also known as a protected disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, must be in the public interest to qualify for protection.

5.2 The whistleblower may not be directly or personally affected by the danger or illegality. Consequently, the whistleblower rarely has a personal interest in the outcome of the investigation and as such should not be expected to prove their case. Instead, he or she may raise the concern, also known as a protected disclosure, using the process outlined in this policy, so that others can address it.

5.3 Concerns that are covered by this policy include:

• conduct which is an offence or breach of law
• failing to comply with a legal obligation although not usually in terms of an employee’s employment unless it is in the public interest
• health and safety risks, including risks to pupils as well as employees and workers
• damage to the environment
• abuse of pupils
• safeguarding concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults
• practice which falls below established standards of practice
• possible fraud, corruption or financial irregularity including unauthorised use of School funds (please see the School’s Fraud Response)
• unreasonable conduct resulting in unfair pressures on staff
• any other unethical conduct
• covering up information about anything listed above

5.4 This policy incorporates provisions that are required from the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.