Whistleblowing Policy

Introduction

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The Whistleblowing Policy aims to offer guidance to facilitate and support CTS Training staff and learners to safely raise complaints/concerns that may arise. 

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An important aspect of the process is assuring and maintaining confidentiality which will be always guaranteed. However, due to the nature of some situations, there are occasions where anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

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Whistleblowing is relevant to all organisations and the people who work or study in them. All staff and learners have a role and responsibility in highlighting or communicating issues or concerns that present risks to an organisation, its staff, and learners on placement within the host organisation. All placement providers are at risk of things going wrong. When a risk occurs, often one of the first people to suspect or realise that something is wrong may be a learner. However, the learner may not feel they are the best person or in the best position to whistle blow or they may lack confidence in raising the issue. It is the aim of this policy and procedure to enable and support staff/learners in identifying and taking appropriate action should such situations arise. 

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Policy Statement 

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CTS recognises its responsibilities under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (‘Whistleblowing’ Act 1999) that staff and learners are permitted to speak freely without fear of disciplinary action, victimisation, or discrimination. This extends to providing processes that facilitate and support staff and/or learners to raise legitimate issues/concerns related to practice placements. 

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CTS acknowledges the relative powerlessness and vulnerability of learners who may be undergoing a process of assessment by work-based staff during their practice placement. CTS takes seriously its responsibilities towards learners and regards it as important that learners can voice their concerns and that their interests are safeguarded as far as possible. 

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Definitions of Whistleblowing 

•    “Bringing an activity to a sharp conclusion as if by the blast of a whistle.” 

•    “Raising a concern about malpractice within an organisation or through an independent structure associated with it.” 

•    “Giving information (usually to the authorities) about illegal or underhand practices.” 

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All organisations should ensure they are doing their “reasonable best” to manage themselves and their staff, customers/service users against risk and harm. 

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A learner on placement and/or a member of staff in the placement provider organisation may identify a situation or event, which has the potential to cause risk or harm to an individual(s) or the organisation. 

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For this policy, risk is defined as “any situation that the learner/employee is involved in which gives rise to concern for any of the parties involved.” 

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The management of risk also aims to:  

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•    Provide a rapid process/system to support learners/employees who have experienced an adverse event. 
•    Reduce harm to client groups. 
•    Reduce harm to the organisation. 
•    Improve the learning environment. 
•    Reduce the possibility of harm to the learner/employee. 

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Allegations and Reporting Procedure

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Procedure for managing a concern/complaint raised by a learner whilst on (or following) a practice placement or an employee is as follows:

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A learner who has a concern whilst on (or following) a practice placement, who may have/share the concern, must raise it immediately with their Assessor/Tutor.

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Alternatively, should a member of staff feel on reflection, that they have an issue of concern, it would be appropriate to raise this concern at the first available opportunity, with their line Manager.

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If the issue is resolved at this stage, no further action is required. 

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If the cause for concern is not resolved, the Assessor/Manager is to report to the CEO within 2 working days and will provide support to the relevant party, whilst an investigation is undertaken.

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Following the completion of the investigation, the CEO will inform all relevant stakeholders of the outcomes and any actions required as a consequence of the investigation. The stakeholders may include the student, staff, and the placement provider organisation.

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All staff will maintain confidential records, monitor all risk incidents, and report any trends/findings to the Directors of CTS Training.