Whistleblowing is the reporting of suspected wrongdoing or danger in relation to our activities. It relates to one or more of the following failures:
- A criminal offence;
- Failing to comply with a legal obligation;
- A miscarriage of justice;
- Endangering the health and safety of an individual;
- Environmental damage;
- A breach of legal or professional obligations;
- Concealing any information relating to the above.
By whistleblowing you are seeking to change the organisation in the public interest.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 is designed to protect employees from suffering any unfair detriment at work as a result of whistleblowing.
If you are unsure if you wish to complain or whistleblow, please read this page first
Who or what do you want to whistleblow about?
a. Whistleblow about safeguarding
If you consider a child, young person or adult is at risk of immediate harm, call the police on 999 or Adult or Children’s Services. You should also contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser within 24 hours.
Otherwise, if you have concerns that proper safeguarding practice is not being followed with regard to the activities of the Church of England in this diocese, please read the remainder of this page.
Whistleblowing at a parish level
Paid staff, volunteers and church members are encouraged to acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of unacceptable practice, performance or behaviour to the attention of the Incumbent and Parish Safeguarding Officer.
If this is not possible, or you are not satisfied with their response, concerns should be shared with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.
Whistleblowing at a diocesan level
To report wrongdoing or dangers in relation to our safeguarding activities, please contact the Diocesan Secretary:
Jacqueline Ladds
Tel: 024 7652 1307
diocesan.secretary@coventry.anglican.org
If you are not satisfied with her response (or if your concern relates to the Diocesan Secretary) you should inform the Acting Bishop of Coventry:
The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley
Tel: 024 7667 2244
bishop@bishop-coventry.org
If you are still not satisfied, you should take the following action:
Inform the Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Scrutiny Group;
If that action is ineffective, inform the National Safeguarding Advisor;
If that action is ineffective, inform the lead Bishop for safeguarding.
b. Whistleblow about Something Else
To report any other wrongdoing or danger in relation to diocesan activities, please notify the Diocesan Secretary: Jacqueline Ladds
Tel: 024 7652 1322
diocesan.secretary@coventry.anglican.org
The concern will be investigated and a response provided within 7 working days.
If you are not satisfied with her response (or if the wrongdoing or danger relates to the Diocesan Secretary) you should notify the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance Audit Committee.