Whistleblowing Policy

Whistleblowing Policy

Policy Statement

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability. All staff, homestays, volunteers, and contractors have a duty to raise concerns about poor or dangerous practice, including concerns relating to the safeguarding and welfare of children in our care. This policy is in line with AEGIS Standard 6.4 and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024).

The aim of this policy is to provide a clear procedure for raising concerns in the public interest, including child protection failures, illegal or unethical conduct, malpractice, or neglect of duties, without fear of reprisal.

 

Scope

This procedure applies to all employees, homestay providers, volunteers, contractors, and others working on behalf of Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd.

 

What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the act of reporting concerns about wrongdoing or risks that affect others, including:

●      A criminal offence (e.g. fraud or abuse)

●      Failure to comply with a legal obligation

●      A miscarriage of justice

●      Endangering the health and safety of an individual

●      Neglect or abuse of a student

●      Unethical conduct

●      Deliberate concealment of information relating to any of the above

Reporting a Concern

In the first instance, concerns should be raised with your line manager or, if this is not appropriate, with:

Company Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Ms Zhiying Zheng07792 766329
tina.zheng@skywisegroup.com

Alternatively, where concerns relate to safeguarding failures within the organisation and you do not feel comfortable raising them internally, you may contact:

●      NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line:
0800 028 0285 (8am–8pm, Mon–Fri)
help@nspcc.org.uk
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/dedicated-helpline/

●      Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work):
 020 3117 2520
 https://protect-advice.org.uk

 

Confidentiality

All disclosures will be treated confidentially and the identity of the whistleblower will be protected wherever possible. In cases where it may be necessary to reveal the whistleblower’s identity (e.g. legal or disciplinary proceedings), this will be discussed with them in advance.

 

Anonymous Disclosures

Anonymous concerns are more difficult to investigate. While we encourage whistleblowers to give their name, we will assess anonymous allegations based on:

●      The seriousness of the concern

●      The credibility of the concern

●      The likelihood that the concern can be confirmed through other sources

 

Unfounded or Malicious Allegations

No disciplinary or adverse action will be taken against staff who raise concerns in good faith, even if the allegation proves to be mistaken. However, deliberately false or malicious allegations will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

Investigation Procedure

Upon receiving a concern, Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd will:

  1. Acknowledge receipt of the concern within 5 working days.
  2. Conduct an initial review to assess whether a full investigation is necessary.
  3. If appropriate, appoint a designated person to lead the investigation.
  4. Maintain a secure and confidential record of the investigation.
  5. Provide feedback to the whistleblower on the outcome where appropriate, while respecting confidentiality.

If the concern is related to criminal activity or there is an immediate risk to a child, we will contact the appropriate statutory authorities including the police or children’s services.

 

Support for Whistleblowers

Skywise will take all reasonable steps to support whistleblowers, including:

●      Ensuring they are not victimised or treated unfairly

●      Providing guidance throughout the process

●      Offering advice on what to do if they are asked to give evidence

●      Referring to external support agencies where needed

 

Record Keeping and Monitoring

A secure register of all whistleblowing concerns will be maintained, including:

●      Name and status of the whistleblower (if disclosed)

●      Nature of the concern

●      Date and method of raising the concern

●      Action taken and outcome

This register will be monitored by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and will remain confidential.

 

Further Information and Legal Guidance

●      Whistleblowing for Employees – GOV.UK:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing

●      NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline:
🔗 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/dedicated-helpline

●      Protect Whistleblowing Advice:
🔗 https://protect-advice.org.uk

●      Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024):
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation or AEGIS guidance.

 

 

Last reviewed: Mrs Katherine Lee 01/03 2025
Next review due: 01/03/ 2026