Whistleblowing Policy
- Purpose
Natural Networks CIC is committed to openness, integrity and accountability. This policy enables anyone connected with our organisation to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing and be confident they will be listened to, taken seriously and protected from retaliation.
This policy supports UK whistleblowing legislation, including the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
- What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is reporting concerns that are in the public interest, for example:
- Criminal activity (e.g. theft, fraud)
- Safeguarding concerns
- Health and safety risks
- Discrimination or harassment
- Environmental damage
- Breaches of legal, regulatory or professional duties
- Attempts to conceal any of the above
Concerns that relate to personal employment issues (pay, workload, conflict with colleagues) should normally be raised through our grievance or complaints procedures.
- Who Can Raise a Concern?
This policy applies to:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Freelancers and contractors
- Directors/Trustees
- Partners and placement students
- How to Raise a Concern
Raise your concern as early as possible. You can speak to:
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead
- A Director of Natural Networks CIC
- The Chair of the Board (if the concern involves a Director)
Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Please give as much detail as possible (what happened, who was involved, dates, and any evidence).
You may raise concerns anonymously, although this may limit our ability to investigate and update you.
- What Will Happen Next
We will:
- Acknowledge your concern within 5 working days
- Assess and, where appropriate, investigate promptly and fairly
- Keep information confidential so far as is reasonably possible
- Take action where wrongdoing is found
- Inform you of the outcome as far as confidentiality allows
Investigations may be conducted internally or referred to external authorities.
- Protection for Whistleblowers
No one who raises a concern in good faith will suffer dismissal, victimisation, or disadvantage as a result. Any retaliation will be treated as serious misconduct.
Knowingly false or malicious allegations may be dealt with under disciplinary procedures.
- External Reporting
If you feel unable to raise your concern internally, or are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may contact an appropriate external body, such as:
- NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285
- Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies
- Protect (Public Concern at Work): 020 3117 2520
- Local Authority Safeguarding Services
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Police (for criminal matters)
- Confidentiality, Records and Data Protection
Whistleblowing reports will be stored securely and handled in line with data protection requirements.
Review Date: 01/01/2027