Whistleblowing policy
It is also intended to encourage and enable our staff to raise serious concerns within Melin rather than ignoring a problem or 'blowing the whistle' outside.
This Policy aims to:
- encourage staff to feel confident in raising serious concerns at the earliest opportunity and to question and act upon concerns about practice;
- provide avenues for staff to raise those concerns and receive feedback on any action taken;
- ensure that staff receive a response to their concerns and that they are aware of how to pursue them if they are not satisfied;
- reassure our staff that they will be protected from possible reprisals or victimisation if they have made any disclosure in good faith.
Speaking up about any concern staff have at work is really important. In fact, it’s vital because it will help us to keep improving our services for our residents and the working environment for our staff. In accordance with our duty of openness, our senior leaders and entire board are committed to an open and honest culture.
This policy covers all staff members employed by Melin Homes as well as Board Members, agency workers, consultants, suppliers, contractors and volunteers conducting work on our behalf. It covers what happens when a whistleblowing situation occurs in Melin and follows the statutory framework set out in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
This policy covers disclosures about matters other than a breach of a staff members’ own contract of employment. If a staff member is concerned that their contract has been, or is likely to be, broken, they should refer to the Grievance Policy.
This policy does not cover residents and customers. If a resident or customer has an issue, they should be referred to the Complaints Policy.