Purpose
This policy provides guidance for staff, freelancers, volunteers, and anyone connected with
Discover Artists: Professional Performance Training who wishes to raise a concern about
malpractice, wrongdoing, or unsafe practice within the organisation.
We are committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability. Staff must feel
confident that they can raise genuine concerns without fear of victimisation, discrimination, or
disadvantage. This policy supports and complements our Safeguarding Policy, our Code of
Conduct, and complies with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, directors, freelancers, volunteers, and contractors working with
Discover Artists: Professional Performance Training.
Concerns may relate to, but are not limited to:
• A child or young person being put at risk
• Failure to follow safeguarding procedures
• Suspected or actual abuse by a colleague, volunteer, or other adult
• Unsafe or illegal working practices
• Breach of confidentiality or data protection
• Fraud, corruption, or financial mismanagement
• Attempts to conceal any of the above
Principles
• All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
• Concerns will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.
• Whistleblowers will not suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of raising a concern in
good faith.
• Malicious or knowingly false allegations may be considered misconduct.
Procedure for Raising a Concern
1. Internal Reporting
◦ In the first instance, concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding
Lead (DSL):
▪ Emma Hutchings, Director, emmajhutchings@gmail.com
◦ If the concern involves the DSL, report to the Deputy DSL or a Director.
2. Escalation
If you feel unable to raise the concern internally, or if the concern has not been dealt with
satisfactorily, you may contact:
◦ Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Merton Council: [Insert contact
details]
◦ NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285 (free & confidential)
◦ Ofsted: 0300 123 1231
3. Anonymous Reporting
Concerns may be raised anonymously, but this may limit the ability to investigate fully.
Protection for Whistleblowers
• You will not be dismissed, disciplined, or discriminated against for raising a genuine
concern.
• Any form of retaliation against whistleblowers will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Monitoring & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually alongside our Safeguarding Policy or sooner if there are
changes in legislation or best practice.