1. Purpose of This Policy

Family Support Scotland is committed to maintaining a safe, transparent, and ethical organisation. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a safe process for staff, volunteers, and members to report serious concerns without fear of punishment, bullying, or retaliation.

Whistleblowing protects

vulnerable individuals

staff

clients

the organisation

legal compliance

integrity of our services

This policy applies to all concerns that are in the public interest or involve significant wrongdoing.

2. What Whistleblowing Covers

Whistleblowing covers concerns such as:

Safeguarding Risks

Child or vulnerable adult at risk

Abuse or neglect

Staff ignoring or mishandling safeguarding reports

Failure to follow safeguarding law or procedure

Staff Misconduct

Harassment

Discrimination

Boundary violations

Unprofessional behaviour

Abuse of role

Exploitation or manipulation

Illegal or Dangerous Activity

Criminal behaviour

Financial misconduct

Data breaches

Breaches of confidentiality

Breaches of GDPR

Encouraging self-harm, violence, or unsafe behaviour

Organisational Failures

Covering up wrongdoing

Ignoring complaints

Allowing unsafe practices

Falsifying documents or logs

Retaliation against someone raising concerns

3. What Whistleblowing Does NOT Cover

❌ Personal disputes between staff
❌ Minor disagreements or personality clashes
❌ Complaints about support decisions
❌ Ordinary staff grievances (these go through the Complaints Policy)

Whistleblowing is only for serious concerns that could put:

clients

staff

families

vulnerable people

the organisation

…at risk.

4. Who Can Raise a Whistleblowing Concern

Staff

Volunteers

Moderators

Clients or family members

Partner organisations

Anyone who becomes aware of wrongdoing involving Family Support Scotland

Concerns may be raised even if proof is not available — if the concern is genuine.

5. How to Make a Whistleblowing Report

A whistleblowing concern can be raised through:

1. Direct Message to:

Chief Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead

Co-Founder & Chief Family Support Advocate

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

2. Safeguarding Report Form

Staff may use the Safeguarding Concern Report if appropriate.

3. Anonymous Written Report

Staff can submit reports anonymously if needed.

4. Email (optional)

If an external communication path is required.

5. Emergency Escalation

If risk is immediate, use Emergency Code levels (Sentinel or Echo).

Whistleblowing concerns should be raised as soon as possible.

6. Confidentiality & Protection

Anyone who raises a whistleblowing concern is protected.

Family Support Scotland guarantees:

✔ Confidentiality
✔ Protection from retaliation
✔ Protection from bullying or exclusion
✔ Fair and unbiased investigation
✔ Support throughout the process

It is strictly prohibited to:

punish

isolate

intimidate

ridicule

remove

or treat differently

…anyone who raises a genuine whistleblowing concern.

7. Investigation Process

Step 1 — Concern Received

Logged securely by Safeguarding Lead

Complainant acknowledged within 48 hours

Step 2 — Initial Assessment

Decide the risk level

Determine if safeguarding is involved

Assign an investigator (Must be senior staff/Founders)

Step 3 — Investigation

Investigator will review:

communication logs

evidence

interviews with involved staff

safeguarding reports

context

Investigations must remain:

✔ confidential
✔ fair
✔ objective
✔ thorough

Step 4 — Decision & Action

Outcomes may include:

No action (if unfounded)

Staff retraining

Formal warning

Removal from staff role

Suspension

Safeguarding escalation

Reporting to external agencies

Reporting to police (if criminal)

Step 5 — Recording

All whistleblowing cases are recorded in the secure organisational register.

8. Protection from False or Malicious Reports

Family Support Scotland will NOT take action against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is later unfounded.

However:

❌ Intentionally false or malicious reports
may result in disciplinary action.

We handle this carefully to avoid deterring genuine whistleblowers.

9. External Whistleblowing

If a concern involves:

a crime

a child or vulnerable adult at serious risk

serious misconduct

safeguarding failure

illegal activity

Then the Safeguarding Lead may contact:

Police Scotland

Local Social Work

Child Protection Services

Relevant statutory agencies

We will always put safety before confidentiality.

10. Review of Policy

This policy will be:

Reviewed annually

Updated with safeguarding law changes

Reconfirmed with all volunteers and staff