Whistleblowing Policy

Who does this policy
apply to and where?

This applies to anyone who is involved around a Navigator ministry. Navigators UK are committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability balanced with appropriate confidentiality. An important aspect of accountability and transparency is a mechanism to enable all those involved to voice concerns in a responsible and effective manner.

This policy is intended to assist individuals who believe they have discovered malpractice or impropriety. Accordingly it is important that all employees as well as formally appointed Navigator Representatives understand their responsibilities to report their concerns in accordance with this Policy. However it is clearly recognised that a volunteer involved in a Navigator Ministry or a supporter may find themselves with a serious concern. It is very important that all parties involved with the Navigators understand that the Charity wishes them to raise any serious concerns that they have.

Further Details

Scope of Policy

This policy is designed to enable all those involved to raise concerns internally and at a high level and to disclose information which the individual believe raises concerns. These concerns could include:

  • Financial malpractice or impropriety or fraud
  • Failure to comply with a legal obligation or Statutes
  • Dangers to Health & Safety or the environment
  • Criminal activity
  • Improper conduct or unethical behaviour
  • Attempts to conceal any of these
  • Anything that brings the Navigators into disrepute

Note that any concerns affecting the safeguarding of individuals should be raised using our separate Safeguarding reporting process.

You may be the first to recognise that something is wrong but may not feel able to express your concern out of a feeling that this would be disloyal to colleagues or you may fear harassment or victimisation.

Don't think what if I am wrong—think what if I am right.

What stops people from whistleblowing?
  • Starting a chain of events which spirals.
  • Disrupting the work or project.
  • Fear of getting it wrong.
  • Fear of repercussions or damaging careers.
  • Fear of not being believed.
Reasons for whistleblowing
  • Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour.
  • To prevent the problem worsening or widening.
  • To protect or reduce risks to others.
  • To prevent becoming implicated yourself.
Safeguards
  1. Protection

This policy is designed to offer protection to those who disclose concerns provided the disclosure is made in good faith.

  1. Confidentiality

The Navigators will treat all such disclosures in a confidential and sensitive manner. The identity of the individual making the allegation may be kept confidential so long as it does not hinder or frustrate any investigation. However, the investigation process may reveal the source of the information and the individual making the disclosure may need to provide a statement as part of the evidence required

Further Details

Pinpoint the ground for concern. The person raising the concern doesn’t need to prove the allegation, but demonstrate sufficient grounds for concern.

Report your concern using the reporting form below.

If the concern is regarding a member of the office staff, contact the National Director. 

If the concern is regarding the National Director or a Trustee, contact the Chair of Trustees.

The Operations Manager/National Director/Chair of Trustees will acknowledge receipt of your concern and allocate a person to follow it up.

The person investigating the concern will contact the person reporting the concern within 7 days to inform of any action that will be taken.

Reporting Form

The Navigators UK and the Trustees are committed to highest standards of openness, integrity and accountability and will respond to any concerns raised about anything within our activities.

Please fill in the form if you have any concerns. The Navigators Operations Manager has the responsibility to follow up any concerns or issues raised.

If the concern is related to the Navigator office then please raise this with the National Director Phil Boydell (phil.boydell@navigators.co.uk) 

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