Whistleblowing Policy

01/01/2026 Whistleblowing Policy

1. Natural Networks CIC

   1. Purpose
      Natural Networks CIC is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability. This policy aims to ensure that any individual who has serious concerns about any aspect of the organisation’s work feels confident to come forward and report them without fear of retaliation.
   2. What is Whistleblowing?
      Whistleblowing is the act of reporting concerns about wrongdoing, such as:
   • Criminal activity (e.g. theft, fraud)
   • Safeguarding concerns
   • Health and safety risks
   • Discrimination or harassment
   • Environmental damage
   • Breaches of legal or professional obligations
   • Attempts to conceal any of the above

   This policy is not for general complaints or grievances (which should be raised through other appropriate procedures).

   3. Who Can Raise a Concern?
      This policy applies to:
   • Employees
   • Volunteers
   • Freelancers and contractors
   • Trustees or Directors
   4. How to Raise a Concern
      If you have a concern, you are encouraged to raise it as early as possible. You can speak to:
   • The Designated Safeguarding Lead
   • A Director of Natural Networks CIC
   • The Chair of the Board (for concerns involving other Directors)

   Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing. Please provide as much detail as possible.

   5. What Will Happen Next?
      Your concern will be:
   • Taken seriously and treated sensitively
   • Investigated promptly and fairly
   • Kept as confidential as possible
   • Escalated where appropriate to external bodies (e.g. police, safeguarding authorities)

   You will be informed of the outcome as far as possible, though some details may be limited for confidentiality reasons.

   6. Protection for Whistleblowers
      Natural Networks CIC will not tolerate any harassment, victimisation, or disadvantage to anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Any retaliation against a whistleblower will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
   7. External Reporting
      If you feel unable to raise your concern internally, you can contact an external body such as:
   • NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285 (for safeguarding concerns)
   • CIC Regularatory body
   • Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work): 020 3117 2520
   
   

   This policy will be reviewed on 01/01/2027.