WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY FOR MY SAFE HAVEN LTD

1. Purpose

My Safe Haven Ltd is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, integrity, and professional conduct in all aspects of our work with children and young people. We recognise that a culture of openness and accountability is essential to protecting those in our care. This policy sets out how staff and others can raise concerns about serious wrongdoing in a safe and responsible manner.

Whistleblowing enables individuals to speak up in the public interest when they believe that malpractice, misconduct, or risks to children’s welfare are occurring or may occur.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, volunteers, contractors, trainees, and any other individuals working on behalf of My Safe Haven Ltd. It covers concerns relating to activities within the organisation or by those representing it.

Whistleblowing differs from a personal grievance. A grievance relates to an individual’s own employment circumstances, whereas whistleblowing concerns matters that affect others or the organisation as a whole, particularly where safeguarding or legal compliance is involved.

3. Matters That May Be Reported

Concerns raised under this policy may include, but are not limited to, safeguarding failures, abuse or neglect, criminal activity, serious breaches of professional standards, financial malpractice, health and safety risks, or attempts to conceal wrongdoing.

If a concern involves an immediate risk of harm to a child or young person, safeguarding procedures must be followed without delay and appropriate authorities contacted where necessary.

4. Our Commitment To Those Who Speak Up

My Safe Haven Ltd is committed to ensuring that anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith is treated fairly and with respect. All whistleblowing concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately. Individuals who speak up will not suffer disadvantage, dismissal, harassment, or victimisation as a result of raising concerns responsibly.

Any form of retaliation against a whistle-blower will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

This policy operates in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which provides legal protection to workers who make protected disclosures in the public interest.

5. How To Raise A Concern

Concerns should normally be raised with a Line Manager or the Registered Manager in the first instance. If the concern relates to senior management, or if the individual feels unable to raise the matter internally, it may be directed to the Responsible Individual or Director.

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Where possible, individuals should provide clear information about the nature of the concern, relevant dates, individuals involved, and any supporting evidence. However, a lack of evidence should not prevent someone from raising a genuine concern.

If an individual believes that the matter cannot be addressed internally, or if the concern is particularly serious, they may report it to an appropriate external authority such as the relevant local authority safeguarding team, the police, or the appropriate regulatory body. Concerns relating to serious data protection breaches may be referred to the Information Commissioner's Office.

6. Confidentiality

All whistleblowing concerns will be handled as confidentially as possible. The identity of the person raising the concern will not be disclosed without their consent unless required by law or where safeguarding duties make disclosure necessary. Concerns may be raised anonymously; however, anonymity may make it more difficult to investigate the matter fully or provide feedback.

7. Investigation Process

Once a concern is raised, it will be acknowledged and assessed to determine the appropriate course of action. Where safeguarding issues are identified, immediate steps will be taken in line with statutory guidance and internal safeguarding procedures. An investigation will be conducted proportionately, fairly, and without unnecessary delay. The whistle-blower will be informed, where appropriate, that the concern has been considered and addressed. However, specific details of outcomes may remain confidential due to legal or data protection requirements.

8. False Or Malicious Allegations

My Safe Haven Ltd encourages openness and transparency. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will not face consequences if an investigation does not substantiate the concern. However, knowingly making false or malicious allegations may result in disciplinary action.

9. Monitoring And Review

All whistleblowing concerns will be recorded securely and reviewed as part of the organisation’s governance and quality assurance processes. Themes or recurring issues will be addressed to strengthen safeguarding practice and organisational learning.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, regulation, or organisational structure.

Policy Version: 1.0
Date Approved: 01/02/2026
Next Review Date: 01/02/2027
Approved By: Carrie Appleton - Company Director