Lambourn Almshouses: Whistleblower Policy
1. Introduction
The Whistleblower Policy at The Lambourn Almshouses is designed to encourage and facilitate the reporting of concerns about misconduct, malpractice, or illegal activities. This policy provides a safe and confidential way for individuals to report such issues and ensures that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.
2. Objectives
- To create an environment where individuals feel safe to report concerns about misconduct or illegal activities.
- To ensure that all reported concerns are investigated promptly and thoroughly.
- To protect whistleblowers from retaliation or discrimination.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses. It covers concerns related to misconduct, malpractice, or illegal activities that may affect the charity, its stakeholders, or its operations.
4. Types of Concerns
Whistleblowers may report concerns related to, but not limited to:
- Financial Mismanagement: Fraud, theft, or misuse of funds.
- Legal Violations: Breaches of laws or regulations.
- Health and Safety: Risks or violations that could harm individuals.
- Ethical Issues: Unethical behavior or conflicts of interest.
- Misconduct: Harassment, discrimination, or other forms of misconduct.
5. Reporting Procedure
- Step 1: Internal Reporting: Report concerns to the designated Whistleblowing Officer (WO) or, if necessary, to the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Provide as much detail as possible, including evidence or documentation if available.
- Step 2: Confidentiality: Reports can be made anonymously, though providing contact information may aid in the investigation. The identity of the whistleblower will be kept confidential, except as required by law or necessary for the investigation.
- Step 3: Investigation: The WO or designated investigator will acknowledge receipt of the report and initiate an investigation. The process will be conducted impartially and discreetly. The whistleblower will be kept informed of the progress and outcome of the investigation.
6. Protection of Whistleblowers
- Retaliation: The Lambourn Almshouses will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith. Retaliatory actions will be treated as a serious violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action.
- Confidentiality: The identity of the whistleblower and the details of the report will be kept confidential, except as necessary to conduct the investigation or as required by law.
7. Legal Framework
This policy is compliant with the following UK laws and regulations:
- Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA): Provides protection for whistleblowers who disclose information about wrongdoing in the workplace.
- Employment Rights Act 1996: Protects employees who make a protected disclosure.
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Addresses issues of harassment and retaliation.
- Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR): Ensures that personal data related to whistleblowing reports is handled in accordance with data protection laws.
8. Training and Awareness
- Training: All staff, volunteers, residents and trustees will receive training on this policy and the procedures for reporting concerns.
- Awareness: Information about this policy will be made readily available to all individuals involved with The Lambourn Almshouses.
9. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored regularly. Feedback from whistleblowers and outcomes of investigations will be reviewed to ensure the policy is working as intended.
- Review: This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure continued compliance with legal requirements and organisational needs.
10. Contact Information
For questions or to report a concern, please contact:
- Chair of the Board of Trustees
11. Approval
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses:
Signature:
Name: Christian Noll
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 1 November 2024