Contents

Introduction

Public concern at work, commonly known as whistleblowing, occurs when an employee or associated individual reports suspected wrongdoing, malpractice, or unlawful activity within the workplace or learning environment.

This policy explains how BCM Academy Ltd handles whistleblowing concerns, protects individuals who make protected disclosures, and outlines the actions taken where malpractice or maladministration is identified.

BCM Academy Ltd is committed to conducting business with integrity and encourages individuals to raise genuine concerns without fear of dismissal, victimisation, harassment, or disciplinary action, provided concerns are raised in good faith.

Procedure

Staff and associated individuals may report suspected wrongdoing verbally or in writing to an appointed person within BCM Academy Ltd. Concerns may initially be raised with a line manager, but if this is not appropriate, concerns can be reported directly to the Head of Centre.

Where necessary, investigations will be conducted and the whistle-blower will normally be informed of the outcome and any actions taken following the investigation.

Dismissals and ‘whistleblowing’

Employees and learners are legally protected when making qualifying whistleblowing disclosures. Staff cannot be dismissed and learners cannot be removed from programmes solely because they raised a genuine concern in accordance with this policy.

Types of whistleblowing eligible for protection

Protected disclosures may include concerns relating to health and safety risks, environmental damage, criminal offences, legal non-compliance, or attempts to conceal wrongdoing within the workplace or learning environment.

Who is protected from dismissal

Protection applies to employees, agency workers, trainees, self-employed individuals working under supervision, and other associated persons who honestly believe their disclosure is true and report concerns appropriately.

Who is not protected from dismissal?

Protection may not apply where individuals break the law while making disclosures or where information was obtained through legally privileged communications, such as confidential legal advice.

Individuals who are not employees may not claim unfair dismissal but are still protected from detrimental treatment resulting from genuine whistleblowing disclosures.

Procedures for making a disclosure

Complaints of malpractice or wrongdoing should be passed promptly to the appropriate investigating officer. Concerns involving line managers may be escalated directly to the Head of Centre.

Where evidence of criminal activity exists, the police may also be informed. BCM Academy Ltd will ensure internal investigations do not interfere with formal legal investigations.

Timescales

Investigation timescales depend on the complexity of the matter. Investigations will be carried out as quickly as possible while ensuring thoroughness and fairness.

The investigating officer will normally acknowledge concerns in writing, provide updates where appropriate, and communicate investigation outcomes to the complainant.

Investigating procedure

The investigating officer will gather full details of the complaint, notify relevant individuals, consider involvement from external authorities where necessary, and carry out a full investigation.

A written report outlining findings, conclusions, and recommended actions will be prepared. Appropriate disciplinary or corrective action may be taken if allegations are substantiated.

If a complainant remains dissatisfied after internal procedures are exhausted, they may raise concerns directly with awarding organisations, regulators, or other prescribed authorities.

Confidentiality

BCM Academy Ltd will maintain confidentiality during investigations wherever practical and appropriate. However, certain investigations may require disclosure of information to relevant individuals or authorities.

Whistle-blowers are also expected to keep details of the concern, investigation, and involved parties confidential to avoid jeopardising the investigation process.