028.1 – General Statement of Policy

The management of Open Homes recognises the importance of open communication among its staff and volunteers and seeks transparency at all levels of the organisation. These guidelines exist to provide staff and volunteers with a protocol for raising any concerns which may arise regarding the conduct or behaviour of other members of staff or volunteers.

028.2 – Examples

Examples of when this protocol may be invoked include (but are not limited to):

• Member(s) of staff or volunteer(s) carrying out duties in a manner that contravenes the requirements of Open Homes Policies, Procedures and Operational Guidelines e.g. Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, Data Protection, Safeguarding Children/Vulnerable Adults.
• Member(s) of staff or volunteer(s) acting illegally in the course of their role.
• Member(s) of staff or volunteer(s) acting inappropriately, such that the work they are involved in may suffer disrepute.
• Member(s) of staff or volunteer(s) behaviour causing upset or harm to others.
• Established practice in the project contravening either legal or internal obligations.

028.3 – Reporting Procedure

Concerns should be reported using the “028.4 Whistleblowing Form”.

The form should be reported to the Project Manager, unless it is inappropriate to do so due to them being implicated. In this case, communication should be directed to the Chair of Board of Trustees. 

Contact details can be found on the “028.4 Whistleblowing Form”.

All concerns raised will be fully investigated.

Any person invoking this procedure will need to be available to answer questions and to clarify the issues surrounding the concern(s) raised.

Those raising concerns will be offered appropriate ongoing support and regularly informed as to the progress/outcome of any investigations.

No individual will be penalised for reporting a concern, unless it is proved to be untrue and made in bad faith.