Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure 2021 to 2022

If an employee or worker has a concern that any person who works with children, young people or adults with care and support needs, in connection with their employment or voluntary activity, has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult or may have harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult

• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child, young person or vulnerable adult

• behaved towards a child, young person or vulnerable adult in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children, young people or adults with care and support needs

• behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

then the employee or worker should raise the concern with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) if related to a child or to Adult Safeguarding in the first instance. It is important that a safeguarding concern is raised as a matter of urgency as the safety of others may be dependent upon the concern being dealt with swiftly. The concern may then be dealt with under the procedures for Managing Concerns or Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers Working with Adults with Care and Support Needs and Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers Working with Children.