WICKERBYS C.I.C.
WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY
1. Our Commitment
Wickerbys C.I.C. is committed to operating with honesty, integrity, and accountability.
We encourage anyone connected with our organisation — including staff, volunteers, service users, partners, or members of the public — to raise concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practices, or misconduct.
We will take all concerns seriously and handle them fairly and confidentially.
Whistleblowing is the reporting of concerns about serious wrongdoing or risks within an organisation.
This may include concerns about:
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Safeguarding failures
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Fraud, theft, or financial misconduct
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Discrimination, harassment, or bullying
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Health and safety risks
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Abuse of authority
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Breaches of the law or regulatory requirements
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Actions that could damage the reputation or integrity of the organisation
3. Who Can Raise a Concern?
This policy applies to:
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Staff and volunteers
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Directors
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Contractors and partners
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Service users
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Members of the public
You do not need proof of wrongdoing — a reasonable belief or genuine concern is enough.
4. How to Raise a Concern
Concerns can be raised:
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By speaking to a senior staff member
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By contacting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (if safeguarding-related)
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By contacting the Chair of the Board
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By email or in writing
Contact Details:
Email: wickerbys@outlook.com
You may raise concerns confidentially. Anonymous reports will be considered, although this may limit our ability to investigate fully.
5. What Happens Next?
When a concern is raised:
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It will be acknowledged promptly.
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An appropriate person will assess the concern.
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An investigation may be carried out where necessary.
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Appropriate action will be taken if wrongdoing is identified.
Where possible, the person raising the concern will be informed that the matter has been addressed.
6. Protection From Retaliation
Wickerbys C.I.C. does not tolerate retaliation, victimisation, or unfair treatment of anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Anyone who attempts to intimidate or retaliate against a whistleblower may face disciplinary action.
7. If You Feel Your Concern Has Not Been Addressed
If you believe your concern has not been handled appropriately, you may escalate it to:
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The Chair of the Board
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Relevant regulatory authorities
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Local Authority Safeguarding Teams (for safeguarding concerns)
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and aligned with legal requirements and best practice.
Reviewed and effective from: 12/2/2026