Whistleblowing Process Safe Places UK

Updated: 24 February 2026

Safe Places for Children UK understands that staff members have a legal obligation to blow the whistle regarding situations that relates to passing on information concerning serious wrongdoing within the organisation and that falls outside of the grievance and complaints processes.

Whistleblowing refers to the disclosure of information relating to serious wrongdoing within the organisation. The wrongdoing will typically (although not necessarily) be something witnessed at work. To be protected by whistleblowing law, the disclosure must be a ‘qualifying disclosure’. This is any disclosure of information which, in the reasonable belief of the worker making the disclosure, is made in the public interest and tends to show that one or more of the following has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur:

  • A criminal offence (this may include, for example, types of financial impropriety such as fraud);

  • a breach of a legal obligation;

  • a miscarriage of justice;

  • danger to the health or safety of any individual;

  • damage to the environment; or

  • the deliberate covering up of wrongdoing in the above categories.

For a qualifying disclosure to be protected under whistleblowing legislation, it must be made through one of the following permitted channels:

  • Disclosure to the employer or another responsible person within the organisation (for example, a manager, safeguarding lead, or trustee);

  • Disclosure to a Prescribed Person or body designated under UK legislation (for example, a regulatory authority relevant to the concern);

  • In certain circumstances, disclosure to legal advisers or other appropriate external bodies, where permitted by law.

Protection for Whistleblowers

  • Safe Places for Children UK will ensure that:

  • Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be supported.

  • No worker will suffer detriment, victimisation or unfair treatment for making a protected disclosure.

  • Concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially wherever possible.

Raising Concerns Internally

Safe Places for Children UK recognises its legal responsibility to protect whistleblowers who make disclosures in accordance with UK whistleblowing legislation.

The organisation encourages current and former staff members and workers to feel confident and safe when reporting serious wrongdoing or concerns. Wherever possible, concerns should initially be raised with a line manager, supervisor, or another responsible person within the organisation.

We understand that this approach may not always be appropriate or comfortable. Therefore, Safe Places for Children UK provides a confidential whistleblowing reporting link which enables individuals to raise concerns securely.

Concerns submitted through this confidential reporting process will be reviewed and assessed, and an internal investigation may be initiated where appropriate.

Confidential and Anonymous Reporting

Staff members may submit concerns anonymously if they wish. While anonymity may help individuals feel safer when raising concerns, please note that:

  • It may not be possible to provide feedback or updates on the outcome where no contact details are provided.

  • Anonymous reports may limit our ability to investigate fully, depending on the information available.

All disclosures will be treated seriously and handled sensitively wherever possible.

Protection for Whistleblowers

Individuals who raise concerns through the appropriate whistleblowing procedures and in good faith will be protected. Safe Places for Children UK will ensure that:

  • No person will suffer detriment, victimisation or unfair treatment as a result of making a protected disclosure.

  • All concerns will be reviewed fairly and objectively.

Contacting Responsible Persons

Staff members may also raise concerns directly with designated responsible persons within the organisation. If contact details are provided, a responsible person will acknowledge receipt of the concern within three working days where possible.

Raising a concern externally

While Safe Places for Children UK hopes that individuals will feel able to raise concerns internally through the procedures outlined above, we recognise that there may be circumstances where a person prefers to report a matter to an appropriate external body.

In certain circumstances, a disclosure made to a Prescribed Person or relevant regulator may still qualify for protection under UK whistleblowing legislation, provided the legal requirements for a protected disclosure are met.

Examples of appropriate prescribed persons or regulatory bodies include:

  • Children’s Commissioner for England

  • Children’s Commissioner for Northern Ireland

  • Ofsted (His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills)

  • Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

  • NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

  • Information Commissioner’s Office (for data protection concerns)

  • HM Revenue & Customs

  • Health and Safety Executive

  • Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland

Individuals considering raising concerns externally are encouraged to ensure that the organisation or regulator is appropriate for the nature of the concern.

Important Legal Note

  • For a disclosure to remain protected when made externally:

  • The concern must meet the criteria for a qualifying disclosure.

  • The individual must reasonably believe the information is substantially true.

  • The disclosure must be made in good faith and in the public interest.