Whistleblowing

Whistle-blowing is when someone who works in or for an organisation passes on information which they reasonably believe shows wrongdoing or a cover-up by that organisation. The information may be about an activity that is illegal or that creates risks to the health and safety of others. The concern may relate to something that has happened, is happening or may happen in the future.

You are also protected by law if you report concerns about a criminal offence, health and safety, environmental risk or damage, a miscarriage of justice, if an organisation is breaking the law, or you believe someone is covering up wrongdoing.

A worker can discuss their concern in confidence with various suitable organisations to decide how they should proceed e.g.:

Their trade union or professional body
An independent legal adviser
Their organisations' regulatory body e.g. Ofsted, the General Medical Council or Social Work England
Ombudsman offices e.g. Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or the Local Government Ombudsman

Many organisations are required to have a whistle-blowing policy, which the worker can refer to and the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership (SCSP) policy is below.

Sheffield Guidance and Resources

All local authorities are required to have a process to consider an allegation that has been made against a person who works (paid or unpaid) with children or young people under 18 years old or vulnerable adults. For more information go to:

Allegations of abuse against people who work with children (LADO)
Sheffield Adult Safeguarding Partnership tel. 0114 273 4908

SCSP policy & procedures:

2.4 Whistle-blowing or Raising Concerns at Work

National Resources

Protect - Speak up stop harm (whistleblowing charity)

Whistle-blowing, NSPCC

NSPCC Whistle-blowing Helpline: tel. 0800 028 0285

NSPCC Whistleblowing Poster advertising helpline 0800 028 0285