Whistleblowing Policy

Overview

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, professionalism, integrity and accountability. The organisation encourages staff, volunteers, contractors and professionals working alongside the provision to raise concerns about unsafe practice, misconduct, safeguarding concerns or wrongdoing without fear of victimisation or disadvantage.

The welfare and safety of young people will always be the organisation’s highest priority.

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises that creating an open and transparent culture is essential to safeguarding vulnerable young people and maintaining high-quality practice.

  1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Encourage individuals to report concerns safely and appropriately.
  • Promote a culture of openness, accountability and safeguarding.
  • Protect individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith.
  • Ensure concerns are investigated fairly and appropriately.
  • Support compliance with safeguarding and legal responsibilities.
  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Employees
  • Volunteers
  • Directors
  • Contractors
  • Agency staff
  • Placement providers
  • Professionals working with Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC

The policy relates to concerns regarding:

  • Safeguarding failures
  • Unsafe practice
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Breaches of professional conduct
  • Health and safety concerns
  • Fraud or financial misconduct
  • Criminal activity
  • Serious breaches of policy or procedure
  • Conduct that places young people, staff or the organisation at risk
  1. Safeguarding Priority

Where concerns relate to:

  • Abuse
  • Neglect
  • Safeguarding failures
  • Harm or risk to a child or vulnerable adult

safeguarding procedures will always take priority.

Concerns may be referred to:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • Social care
  • Police
  • Commissioners
  • Regulatory or safeguarding agencies
  1. Raising Concerns

Individuals are encouraged to raise concerns as soon as possible.

Concerns may be raised:

  • Verbally
  • In writing
  • By email
  • Through safeguarding reporting procedures

Concerns should normally be reported to:

  • A Director
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

If the concern relates to a Director or safeguarding lead, concerns should be reported directly to:

  • Worcestershire Children’s Services
  • The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • Police where appropriate
  1. Protection for Whistleblowers

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to ensuring that individuals raising genuine concerns:

  • Are listened to seriously and respectfully
  • Are protected from victimisation or unfair treatment
  • Will not suffer disadvantage for reporting concerns in good faith

No individual will be penalised for raising a genuine concern, even where investigations do not substantiate the allegation.

However, deliberately malicious or knowingly false allegations may result in disciplinary action.

  1. Confidentiality

Concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially wherever possible.

Information will only be shared:

  • On a need-to-know basis
  • Where required to investigate concerns
  • Where safeguarding or legal responsibilities require disclosure

Anonymous concerns will be considered where sufficient information is provided, although anonymity may limit the ability to investigate fully.

  1. Investigation Process

Concerns raised under this policy will:

  • Be acknowledged promptly
  • Be reviewed appropriately
  • Be investigated fairly and proportionately
  • Be escalated where necessary

Investigations may involve:

  • Internal review
  • Safeguarding procedures
  • External agencies
  • Professional advice or support

Where appropriate, the whistleblower may receive updates regarding progress or outcomes, although confidentiality may limit the information that can be shared.

  1. Malicious Allegations

Beyond Barriers Pathways cic recognises the importance of raising concerns genuinely and responsibly.

Concerns found to be:

  • Deliberately false
  • Malicious
  • Intended to cause harm

may result in disciplinary action.

  1. Responsibilities

Directors

Directors are responsible for:

  • Promoting a culture of openness and safeguarding
  • Ensuring concerns are investigated appropriately
  • Protecting individuals raising concerns
  • Taking appropriate action following investigations

Staff & Volunteers

All staff and volunteers are responsible for:

  • Reporting concerns promptly
  • Following safeguarding procedures
  • Maintaining professional conduct
  • Supporting a culture of accountability and safety
  1. Related Policies
  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
  • Safer Recruitment Policy
  • Staff Discipline, Conduct & Grievance Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • Data Protection & GDPR Policy
  1. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

  • Legislation changes
  • Guidance changes
  • Safeguarding incidents occur
  • Operational changes require updates

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to maintaining a transparent and safeguarding-focused culture where concerns can be raised safely and appropriately.

Policy Information

Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC Directors
Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
Review Frequency: Annually
Date Approved:  June 2026
Review Date:  June 2027