How do I whistleblow?

Whistleblowing is the reporting of a qualifying disclosure made in the public interest by a worker who has a reasonable belief that one of the following is being, has been, or is likely to be, committed:

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

Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Whistleblowing Policy

The Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance (CDBF) is committed to serving the people of Coventry with honesty and integrity and we expect all those working for or otherwise representing the organisation to maintain high standards of conduct. Like other organisations, we recognise that there is the risk that from time to time we may fall short of these high standards, that things may go wrong and/or that we may unknowingly be harbouring either illegal or unethical conduct. A culture of openness and accountability is essential both to prevent such situations occurring and to address them when they do.

It is imperative that any fraud, misconduct or wrongdoing by workers, officers or volunteers is reported and properly dealt with. This policy sets out who is covered by this policy, the way in which individuals may raise any concerns that they have, the protections they have and how any concerns raised will be dealt with.

Whilst the Act does not provide the same protection for office holders and volunteers, the CDBF is committed to offering whistle-blowing protection to its clergy and volunteers. This policy therefore applies to all employees, office holders and volunteers of the CDBF who may also use this policy and procedure. Other individuals performing functions in relation to the CDBF, such as agency workers and contractors, are also encouraged to use it.

Employed parish staff will come under the individual whistleblowing policy for employees of their own Parochial Church Council (PCC). Each PCC is a separate charity and therefore CDBF cannot respond to any concerns raised by parish staff.

It is an expectation that PCCs make similar provision to extend whistle-blowing protection to those who are not workers under the Act.

The full Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Whistleblowing Policy including the procedure for dealing with qualifying disclosures can be read here.

Who should a qualifying disclosure be reported to?

In non-safeguarding cases

Clergy wishing to make non-safeguarding related public interest disclosures should contact the relevant archdeacon (or another archdeacon if necessary).

People in lay ministries which are licensed or authorised by the bishop should make initial contact with the incumbent (or archdeacon if the incumbent is unavailable).

CDBF employees or volunteers (e.g. committee members) should refer to the Disclosure of Public Interest Matters (whistleblowing) Policy which can be found in SafeHR.

Any other wrongdoing or danger in relation to diocesan activities, should be reported to the Diocesan Secretary:

Jacqueline Ladds
Tel: 024 7652 1322
diocesan.secretary@coventry.anglican.org

Any concern reported to the Diocesan Secretary will be investigated and a response provided within 7 working days.

If you are not satisfied with the response (or if the wrongdoing or danger relates to the Diocesan Secretary) then you should email whistleblowing@coventry.anglican.org and your concern will be investigated by the Chair of the CDBF, Steve Coomber.

Whistleblow about safeguarding

There are additional provisions relating to whistleblowing in connection with safeguarding issues which apply to staff, volunteers and church members at both parish and organisational level. The full Coventry Diocesan Board of Finance Whistleblowing Policy, including Safeguarding information, can be read here.

If you consider a child, young person or adult is at risk of immediate harm, you must call the police on 999 or Adult or Children’s Services. Any safeguarding concerns (whether immediate or not) regarding a child or vulnerable adult should be reported to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 024 7652 1345 within 24 hours. Out of hours arrangements can also be found here. Concerns are dealt with in line with House of Bishops Practice Guidance.

If you wish to report a safeguarding allegation or concern against a church officer relating to children, young person and/or vulnerable adult you should report this to the Diocesan safeguarding Team.

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, then depending on where the concern is you should follow one of the following procedures:

Whistleblowing at a parish level

Paid staff, volunteers and church members must bring matters of unacceptable practice, performance or behaviour in relation to safeguarding activities to the attention of their Incumbent and Parish Safeguarding Officer.

If this is not possible, or you are not satisfied with their response, concerns should be shared with the Director of Safeguarding (Diocesan Safeguarding Officer).

Whistleblowing at a CDBF or Diocesan leadership 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 still not satisfied, you should take the following action:

I. Inform the Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Scrutiny Group;

II. If that action is ineffective, inform the National Safeguarding Team;

III. If that action is ineffective, inform the lead Bishop for safeguarding.