(SCIO)

WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Group Name; Springfield Out of School Care Club (SCIO)

Address of Premises; Springfield Community Wing

141 Springfield Road, Linlithgow,

West Lothian, EH49 7SN

Policy Reviewed (date) September 2016

Signed ______

Name ______Chairperson

DEFINITION

Whistle blowing is raising a concern about malpractice within an organisation it is primarily for concerns where the interests of others or the organisation itself are at risk. Whistle blowing is very different from making a complaint.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

SOoSCC are committed to delivering a high-quality service, promoting organisational accountability and maintain public confidence. It is our intention that staff working at SOoSCC feel confident about coming forward and reporting any issues/concerns that they may have, whilst remaining protected from any subsequent discrimination.

SOoSCC will not accept or condone any behaviour by staff, volunteers or other adults associated with the Club that is contrary to the Club’s Aims and Objectives, Policies and Procedures.

We will actively encourage and support the reporting of such behaviour.

PROTECTION

This policy provides individuals in the workplace with protection from victimisation or punishment where they raise a genuine concern about misconduct or malpractice in the organisation. The policy is underpinned by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. This encourages people to raise concerns about misconduct or malpractice in the workplace, to promote good governance and accountability in the public interest.

The Act covers reporting of behaviour that constitutes;

•A criminal offence.

•Failure to comply with any legal obligation.

•A miscarriage of justice.

•Danger to health and safety of an individual and/or environment.

•Deliberate concealment of information about any of the above.

AIM

It is not intended that this policy be a substitute for, or an alternative to the formal Grievance Procedure, but is designed to nurture a culture of openness and transparency within our setting, which makes it safe and acceptable for employees and volunteers to raise, in good faith, a concern they may have about misconduct or malpractice.

SOoSCC aim to do this by:

  • Promoting an environment of mutual respect, trust and open communication.
  • Promoting an environment that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
  • Treating everyone equally and fairly, with dignity and respect and by valuing individual differences.
  • Ensuring staff understand their responsibilities and feel confident in raising and reporting a serious concern at the earliest opportunity.
  • Ensuing that the quality of work of each staff member/volunteer is effectively monitored as well as the work of the Club as a while, through regular appraisals.
  • Ensuring that procedures are in place for reporting unacceptable behaviour/practices, and that they are reviewed annually.
  • Staff are encouraged to use staff meetings to plan activities and discuss views so any conflict can be managed away from the children.
  • Provide avenues for staff to raise concerns and receive feedback on any action taken.
  • Actively supporting staff/volunteers who ‘blow the whistle’ both during the investigation and after: this will be in line with the relevant legislation. We will do this through keeping them up to date with what’s happening and offering counselling/support sessions.