Rationale
Whistle-blowing complies with Glasgow’s guidance on how to report concerns.
Aim
To provide procedures for staff to raise concerns, receive feedback on any action taken and how to take the matter further if they are dissatisfied with the response. Staff are reassured that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith.
Objectives
To safeguard against victimisation anonymous and/or untrue claims.
To have in place a system for raising concerns.
To have in place a system for dealing with complaints.
Guidelines
Safeguards against victimisation, anonymous claims.
GCC supports this policy and will protect whistle-blower from any reprisals.
Staff should put their names to any claims they make as anonymous claims are less powerful.
If a claim is made in good faith and is unproven then no action will be taken against the claimant.
In the case of a malicious claim, disciplinary action will be considered and may be implemented.
System for Raising Concerns
Raise concerns immediately.
First instance, contact Head of Nursery
Next – HR advice and guidance team Principal Officer
GCC Complaints – 0141 287 4566
Claimant can pursue a claim up to Education Department– 0141 287 6710 or beyond.
Make sure there are sufficient grounds for complaint.
Put all relevant facts in writing.
Advice from your professional body (SSSC), they may raise concerns on your behalf.
Dealing with Complaints
There will be an internal investigation to verify validity and evaluate the seriousness of the claim.
There is the possibility of external investigation bodies.
There may be an independent enquiry by the Ombudsman.
The claim will be dealt with as quickly as possible by the Head and if necessary, passed on to a more appropriate person.
A letter acknowledging receipt of claim will also indicate steps being taken, how it will be dealt with, approximate time scale, if possible, outline enquiries to date, information on whether investigations will be taken further or not, and if not, why not.
Meetings with the claimant to clarify information may be necessary.
Claimant may have a representative of their professional body at these meetings.
Unless claims are subject to legal constraints claimant may receive information about the outcome of the investigations.
Alternative ways of pursuing claim.
Through Local Council Member (if you live in Glasgow) an external auditor, member of staff, own solicitor, the police, professional association or trade union.
If you take claim outside your organisation do not disclose confidential information.
You may seek advice from the Ombudsman.
Head will have confidential record of claim and outcome of the investigation.
Success Criteria
There is a clearly defined GCC Whistleblowing policy and staff guidelines regarding raising concerns and receiving feedback on any action taken.
Staff are informed how to take the matter further if they are dissatisfied with the response.
The policy makes it clear to staff that they will be protected from reprisals or victimisation for whistleblowing in good faith.
Policy indicates that disciplinary action may be considered and implemented following malicious or vexatious allegations.
Consider
GCC Code of Conduct
Management Circular 89 Dealing with Complaints
Bullying and Harassment policy, on connect
SSSC website