Whistleblowing Policy

Policy Statement

AESN Care encourages employees and other relevant individuals to raise serious concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe care, abuse, neglect, fraud, corruption, criminal conduct or serious regulatory failures. No person should suffer detrimental treatment for raising a genuine concern through an appropriate route.

1. Introduction

Whistleblowing is different from a routine complaint or personal grievance. It concerns information suggesting serious wrongdoing or risk affecting other people, the organisation or the public interest.

2. Purpose

The purpose is to provide safe, clear and confidential routes for raising serious concerns and to ensure appropriate escalation and protection.

3. Scope

The policy applies to AESN Care employees and, where relevant, workers, contractors and other persons who have legitimate concerns about AESN Care activities.

4. Concerns Covered

• Abuse or neglect.
• Unsafe or seriously poor care.
• Safeguarding failures.
• Fraud or corruption.
• Criminal conduct.
• Serious regulatory breaches.
• Serious health and safety risks.
• Deliberate concealment of wrongdoing.
• Malpractice or unethical conduct.
• Serious failures in governance or record keeping.

5. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The policy reflects applicable UK whistleblowing protections, including the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and relevant employment law. Safeguarding, health and safety, criminal and regulatory requirements may also apply depending on the concern.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• Management must take concerns seriously and ensure appropriate escalation.
• Managers receiving concerns must not obstruct legitimate reporting.
• Staff should report serious concerns promptly and provide factual information.
• Everyone must protect confidentiality as far as possible.

7. Reporting Procedure

Concerns should normally be raised through AESN Care management or another appropriate internal route. A person does not have to investigate the concern themselves. If the concern involves the usual reporting person, an alternative management or whistleblowing route should be used where available.

8. Safeguarding and Emergency Escalation

Where a concern indicates immediate danger, abuse or neglect, safeguarding procedures must be followed without delay. Emergency situations should be referred to emergency services. External reporting routes may be appropriate where internal action is unsafe, ineffective or unsuitable.

9. Confidentiality and Anonymous Reports

AESN Care will seek to maintain confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible and lawful. Anonymous reports may be considered, although anonymity can make investigation and feedback more difficult.

10. Protection from Detrimental Treatment

A person who raises a genuine concern should not be subjected to bullying, harassment, victimisation or other detrimental treatment because they raised it. Allegations made maliciously or dishonestly may be addressed separately.

11. Records and Documentation

Whistleblowing information will be recorded securely and objectively. Access will be restricted to those who need the information to manage the concern.

12. Training and Competence

Staff will be made aware of whistleblowing routes and the importance of reporting safeguarding and serious care concerns.

13. Monitoring and Compliance

Management may review whistleblowing themes, outcomes, response quality and organisational learning while protecting confidentiality.

14. Breaches / Non-Compliance

Attempts to suppress legitimate concerns, retaliation or deliberate concealment may result in management or disciplinary action and may require external escalation.

15. Equality, Diversity and Human Rights

Whistleblowing routes should be accessible and reasonable adjustments considered where required.

16. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection requirements, balancing confidentiality with safeguarding and legal duties.

17. Related Policies and Procedures

• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
• Modern Slavery Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Clinical Complaints Policy
• Data Protection Policy

18. Review and Continuous Improvement

Learning from concerns will be used to strengthen safeguarding, governance, culture, training and service quality.

19. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically and when relevant whistleblowing, employment or regulatory requirements change.

Related Policies

• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy
• Modern Slavery Policy
• Clinical Complaints Policy

Review Arrangements

This policy will be reviewed by AESN Care Management at appropriate intervals and sooner where there is a significant change in legislation, regulation, service delivery, risk, guidance, learning from incidents or complaints, or organisational arrangements. Review findings and resulting actions will be documented.

Approval

Approved by: AESN Care Management