Confidential Reporting Code
'Whistle Blowing' Procedure
As part of Prostart's Confidential Reporting Code policy we expect employees, and others that we deal with, who have serious concerns about any aspect of Prostart's work to come forward and voice those concerns
Prostart is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty, integrity and accountability.
Our policy makes it clear that you can do so without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or disadvantage.
This Code applies to all employees and those contractors working for Prostart, on Prostart's premises or premises that Prostart's services are being carried out within.
Prostart's policy is to :-
The Confidential Reporting Code is intended to cover major concerns that fall outside of the scope of a grievance related to your own employment and other policies and procedures in place, including: -
This Code does not replace the normal procedures for complaints
Confidentiality
All concerns will be treated in confidence and every effort will be made not to reveal your identity if you so wish. At the appropriate time, however, you may need to come forward as a witness.
Anonymous Allegations
This policy encourages you to put your name to your allegation whenever possible.
Concerns expressed anonymously will be considered at the discretion of Prostart. In exercising this discretion the factors to be taken into account would include:
Untrue Allegations
If you make an allegation in good faith, but it is not confirmed by the investigation, no action will be taken against you. If, however, you make an allegation frivolously, maliciously or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against you.
How to Raise a Concern
As a first step you should normally raise concerns with your immediate manager or their supervisor. This depends, however, on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issues involved and who is suspected of the malpractice. For example, if you believe that management is involved, you could approach the Managing Director, Financial Director or Quality and Contracts Manager.
Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. Staff who wish to make a written report are invited to use the following format:
The earlier you express the concern the easier it is to take action.
You may wish to obtain advice on how to pursue matters of concern. Advice can be obtained from the Managing Director, Financial Director or the Quality and Contracts Manager
You may wish to consider discussing your concern with a colleague first and you may find it easier to raise the matter if there are two (or more) of you who have had the same experience or concerns.
Employees need to be aware that they themselves are bound to the same obligations relating to confidential information. If employees share confidential information with others they will need to be careful that confidential information is not used inappropriately. The Public Interest Disclosure Act gives protection where information is disclosed in the course of obtaining legal advice. Therefore when seeking such advice, employees should ensure that in seeking the advice confidential information is not passed on to third parties.
How Prostart Will Respond
Prostart will respond to your concerns. Do not forget that testing out your concerns is not the same as either accepting or rejecting them.
Where appropriate, the matter raised may:
In order to protect individuals and those accused of misdeeds or possible malpractice, initial enquires will be made to decide whether an investigation is appropriate and, if so what form it should take.
The overriding principle which Prostart will have in mind is the learner interest. Concerns or allegations which fall within the scope of specific procedures (for example, child protection or discrimination issues) will normally be referred for consideration under those procedures.
Some concerns may be resolved by agreed action without the need for investigation. If urgent action is required this will be taken before any investigation is conducted.
Within ten working days of a concern being raised, the responsible person will write to you:
The amount of contact between the officers considering the issues and you will depend on the nature of the matters raised, the potential difficulties involved and the clarity of the information provided. If necessary, Prostart will seek further information from you. Where any meeting is arranged, off-site if you so wish, you can be accompanied by an associate.
Prostart will take steps to minimise any difficulties which you may experience as a result of raising a concern, For instance, if you are required to give evidence in a criminal or disciplinary proceedings Prostart will arrange for you to receive advice about the procedure
Prostart accepts that you need to be assured that the matter has been properly addressed. Thus, subject to legal constraints, we will inform you of the outcome of any investigation.
How The Matter Can Be Taken Further
This policy is intended to provide you with a procedure within Prostart to raise concerns. Prostart hopes you will be satisfied with any action taken. If you are not, and if you feel it is right to take the matter outside Prostart, the following are possible contact points:
Prostart recognises the lawful right of employees to make disclosures to prescribed persons under the terms of the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
This policy is reviewed annually by the Quality and Contracts Manager