Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure for Schools

9.1 If an employee or worker has a concern that any person who works with children, young people or vulnerable adults, in connection with his or her 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 vulnerable adults

the employee or worker should raise the concern via the Whistleblowing Policy as this policy affords the employee or worker protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. 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 have to be dealt with under the procedures surrounding Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Managing Allegations against Staff and Volunteers working with Children and Young People.

9.2 In addition to guidance below in section 10, an employee or worker may raise their concern regarding a person who works with children, young people or vulnerable adults with a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).