Public Interest Disclosure Policy

Effective Date: 7-12-2024

At Connect and Care, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our operations. This Public Interest Disclosure Policy (also known as a Whistleblowing Policy) outlines how individuals can raise concerns about wrongdoing in a safe and confidential manner, in the public interest.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Provide a framework for raising concerns about unethical, illegal, or unsafe practices.

• Ensure that individuals feel safe to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

• Promote a culture of openness and accountability within Connect and Care.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Employees, volunteers, and contractors.

• Service users and their families.

• Any third parties engaging with Connect and Care.

It covers concerns about activities that may:

• Pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment.

• Constitute fraud, corruption, or financial malpractice.

• Violate legal or regulatory obligations.

• Involve unethical or discriminatory behavior.

• Constitute abuse or neglect of service users.

• Deliberately conceal any of the above.

3. What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing involves reporting concerns about serious wrongdoing that is in the public interest. It is not the same as a grievance or complaint about personal matters, which should be handled through the relevant grievance procedure.

4. Raising a Concern

If you suspect wrongdoing, you are encouraged to raise your concern as soon as possible. You can do so by:

• Speaking to your line manager or supervisor.

• Contacting the designated Whistleblowing Officer at Connect and Care:

  • Email: [Insert Email Address]

  • Phone: [Insert Phone Number]

If you feel unable to raise the concern internally, you may contact an external regulatory body such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

5. Confidentiality and Anonymity

• All disclosures will be treated confidentially, and your identity will not be disclosed without your consent unless required by law.

• Anonymous disclosures are accepted, but providing your identity can help us investigate and resolve the concern more effectively.

6. Protection from Retaliation

Connect and Care strictly prohibits any form of retaliation, harassment, or victimization against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

• Any employee found retaliating against a whistleblower will face disciplinary action.

• Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA).

7. Investigation Process

• Upon receiving a disclosure, the designated officer will conduct a preliminary review to assess its validity and seriousness.

• If necessary, a formal investigation will be initiated, and appropriate actions will be taken to address the concern.

• The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome unless confidentiality or legal constraints prevent this.

8. False Allegations

While all concerns raised in good faith are encouraged, deliberate false allegations are a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action.

9. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever necessary to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this policy or wish to report a concern, please contact us:

Connect and Care

Email: Administration: admin@connectandcare.co.uk

Human Resources: Hr@connectandcare.co.uk

Phone: Salisbury Office: 07305552665 Kent Office: 07722002616