Whistleblowing provides protection for any member of staff (whether paid or voluntary) who raises a concern about policy, procedure, or practice (by individuals or the organisation as a whole) that impacts on the safety and/or wellbeing of people using services. This protection includes safeguarding against unfair treatment or dismissal as a result of raising concerns.
In most cases, the whistleblower should first use their organisation’s usual internal procedures to report concerns. If concerns are not addressed through normal safeguarding or management channels, they may then raise them in good faith under their organisation’s whistleblowing policy, or with an appropriate external body.
Whistleblowing often involves escalating concerns beyond usual reporting routes, for example to senior managers, governing bodies, regulators, or prescribed external organisations. Each organisation’s whistleblowing policy will explain how this should be done.
All staff should be aware of their own organisation’s whistleblowing policy. If you are unsure where to find it, you should ask your manager or HR team.
NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line
Free, confidential advice for professionals who are concerned about how child protection issues are being handled in their organisation.
Raising a concern with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
A quick guide for health and care staff about whistleblowing, including how to share concerns safely and confidentially with the regulator.
