Whistleblowing Policy
Policy Statement
Regenerate Mentoring is committed to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and accountability in all areas of its work.
We encourage all staff, mentors, volunteers and contractors to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing, malpractice or safeguarding failures without fear of victimisation or reprisal. This policy ensures that concerns are dealt with fairly, promptly and in confidence.
Whistleblowing plays a vital role in keeping children, young people and adults safe and in maintaining public trust in our organisation.
Legal Framework
This policy is informed by:
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
Employment Rights Act 1996
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Local Safeguarding Partnership guidance
Aims
To provide a clear and safe process for raising concerns.
To ensure concerns are handled sensitively, fairly and without retaliation.
To protect children, young people, and staff from harm or malpractice.
To uphold the organisation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Scope
This policy applies to all Regenerate Mentoring staff, mentors, volunteers, and contractors.
Concerns may relate to:
Safeguarding or child protection failures
Health and safety risks
Financial or procedural misconduct
Criminal activity
Neglect of professional duties
Discrimination, bullying or harassment
Any action likely to damage the reputation of Regenerate Mentoring
Roles and Responsibilities
DSL: Jonny Doidge
Deputy DSL: Amy Doidge
Senior Leadership Team: Responsible for ensuring that all whistleblowing concerns are investigated and addressed appropriately.
All staff and mentors have a duty to speak up if they witness wrongdoing.
Raising a Concern
Concerns should be raised as soon as possible. Staff can:
Speak directly to the DSL (Jonny Doidge) or Deputy DSL (Amy Doidge).
If the concern involves either of them, report to another member of the Senior Leadership Team.
If the concern cannot be raised internally, contact:
The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Ofsted (for regulated services)
The NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline – 0800 028 0285
Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing. Anonymous concerns will be considered if sufficient information is provided.
Protection for Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers acting in good faith are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Regenerate Mentoring will not tolerate harassment or victimisation of anyone raising a genuine concern.
Any retaliation against a whistleblower will be treated as a disciplinary offence.
Investigation Process
All concerns will be acknowledged and assessed promptly.
The DSL or Senior Leadership Team will appoint an appropriate person to investigate.
Findings and actions will be recorded and shared with relevant authorities if required.
The outcome will be communicated to the whistleblower wherever possible, while maintaining confidentiality.
Confidentiality
All disclosures will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Identities will only be shared where absolutely necessary (e.g., for investigation or legal reasons).
Training and Awareness
Staff and mentors are informed about whistleblowing procedures during induction and safeguarding training.
Refresher training reinforces the importance of speaking up.
The Senior Leadership Team monitors all whistleblowing cases to ensure lessons are learned and improvements are made.
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legal requirements change.
Last Reviewed: September 2025
Next Review Date: September 2026