Enabling concerns to be raised to protect people and uphold standards.

Prept. Foundation Whistleblowing Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy is designed to encourage and enable staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to raise serious concerns within the charity rather than overlooking a problem. It applies to all individuals working with or for Prept. Foundation, including employees, trustees, volunteers, contractors, and partners.

2. Policy Statement

Prept. Foundation is committed to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the children and young adults we serve. Any malpractice or wrongdoing by staff, volunteers, trustees, or others working on behalf of the charity is taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy covers concerns that fall outside the scope of other policies and procedures, including but not limited to:

• Criminal activity or fraud
• Safeguarding concerns
• Health and safety risks
• Misuse or mismanagement of charity funds
• Breaches of charity policies, including safeguarding and data protection
• Abuse of beneficiaries
• Unethical or discriminatory behaviour

4. Safeguards

• Confidentiality: Every effort will be made to keep whistleblowers’ identities confidential unless required by law.
• Protection from retaliation: Whistleblowers will not suffer any detriment or victimisation for raising concerns in good faith.
• Anonymous disclosures: Disclosures can be made anonymously, though it may limit our ability to fully investigate the concern.

4. Raising a Concern

Concerns should be raised as soon as possible. They can be reported in the following ways:

• Line Manager or Supervisor (for staff/volunteers)
• Safeguarding Lead – for child protection concerns
  • Name: Camilla Bowers
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 07729 166573
• Designated Whistleblowing Officer
  • Name: Jessica Aggarwal
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 07568 321223

If the concern involves a senior staff member, it may be appropriate to report directly to the Chair of Trustees or the Charity Commission.

6. Investigation Process

• The concern will be logged and acknowledged within 5 working days.
• An appropriate person (or external investigator, if needed) will be appointed to carry out an initial assessment.
• If the concern is substantiated, further investigation or action will follow.
• A summary of the outcome (where appropriate) will be provided to the whistleblower.

7. Escalation

If you are not satisfied with how your concern was handled, you may escalate it to:

• Chair of Trustees
  • Name: Daniel Wade
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 07795 033060
• Charity Commission (www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity)

8. Record Keeping and Monitoring

All whistleblowing concerns will be logged, including actions taken and outcomes. Records will be maintained securely and reviewed periodically by the board to ensure the policy is effective.

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to legal or regulatory changes.