This policy applies to anyone who works or volunteers with the Charity.
The Charity constantly strives to safeguard and act in the interest of the public and its workers, volunteers, trustees and contractors. It is important to the Charity that any fraud, misconduct or wrongdoing, by anyone acting om behalf of the Charity, is reported and properly addressed.
Anyone working on behalf of the Charity are encouraged to raise concerns in a responsible manner. The Charity prefers that a concern is raised and dealt with properly, rather than kept quiet.
Your responsibilities
You are encouraged to bring to the attention of the Charity any practice or action of the Charity, its workers or other agents that you reasonably believe is against the public interest, in that the practice or action is:
* a criminal offence
* a failure to comply with any legal obligation
* a miscarriage of justice
* a danger to the health and safety of any individual
* an attempt to conceal information on any of the above
Any individual raising legitimate concerns will not be subject to any detriment, either during or after their involvement with the Charity. The Charity will also endeavour to ensure that the individual is protected from any intimidation or harassment by any other parties.
This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated, which should be raised under the Charity’s Complaints Procedure.
Procedure
In the first instance, you should raise any concerns you have with Andrea Phillips (tel: 07935652999, email: hello@ukspanielrescue.co.uk). If you believe Andrea to be involved, or if, for any reason, you do not wish to approach Andrea, then you should raise it with the any Trustee of the Charity.
Any matter raised under this policy will be investigated promptly and confidentially. The outcome of the investigation, as well as any necessary remedial action to be taken, will be confirmed to you. If no action is to be taken, the reason for this will be explained to you.
Allegations regarding potential breaches of this policy will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly. If you raise any concerns under this policy, the Charity is
committed to ensuring that you are protected from victimisation, harassment or less favourable treatment.
Escalating your concern
If you are dissatisfied with this response, you should raise your concerns in writing directly with the Chair of Trustees or another Trustee. If, after escalating your concerns, you believe that the appropriate remedial action has not been taken, you should then report the matter to the proper authority. These authorities
include:
* HM Revenue & Customs
* the Financial Conduct Authority
* the Health and Safety Executive
* the Environment Agency or Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
* the Information Commissioner
This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and you must take care to ensure you contact the proper authority in relation to the particular concerns you have.
If you are unsure as to the appropriate authority, advice can be sought from Protect (formerly known as “Public Concern at Work”) which is an independent Whistleblowing Charity. Their contact details are at the end of this policy.
If you raise a false allegation and you are found to be culpable, or in any way involved in the wrongdoing, or if you raise a concern maliciously or in a manner not prescribed in this policy, then you may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from your role without notice.
You should not disclose to a non-relevant third party any details of any concern raised in accordance with this policy, and you must not, in any circumstances, publicise your concerns in any way.
Independent advice
Independent advice and support can be obtained from Protect (formerly known as “Public Concern at Work”) (Independent Whistleblowing Charity):
Email: whistle@protect-advice.org.uk
Telephone: 0203 117 2520
Website: www.protect-advice.org.uk
The person responsible for this policy/procedure is: Andrea Phillips
This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees.
Policy approved date 22nd October 2024
This policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board of Trustees.
Next Review due: October 2025