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Whistleblowing Policy
Whistleblowing Policy

Football Skills School (FSS) – Birmingham & Solihull

1. Introduction
Football Skills School (FSS) is committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We believe in fostering an open culture where staff, volunteers, parents, and students feel empowered to raise concerns about wrongdoing or malpractice without fear of retaliation.

This whistleblowing policy provides a framework for reporting and addressing concerns that could potentially harm the school’s operations, reputation, or stakeholders.

2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Encourage the reporting of any malpractice or illegal activities.
  • Ensure that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation or victimization.
  • Provide clear procedures for handling whistleblowing reports.
  • Ensure that concerns are addressed fairly, confidentially, and appropriately.

3. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, sub-contractors, volunteers, parents, students, and anyone associated with FSS in the Birmingham and Solihull area. It covers concerns about:

  • Child safeguarding issues or breaches of child protection protocols.
  • Financial malpractice or fraud.
  • Health and safety risks.
  • Criminal activities or any other legal violations.
  • Breaches of FSS’s policies, codes of conduct, or ethical standards.
  • Bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
  • Environmental issues affecting FSS operations.
  • Any form of unethical or improper behaviour.

4. Safeguarding and Protection
FSS takes all concerns seriously, particularly those that relate to child safeguarding and welfare. If any member of the organisation suspects that a child’s safety or well-being is at risk, they are required to report their concerns immediately. Safeguarding issues will always be prioritized.

5. Confidentiality and Anonymity
We encourage whistleblowers to identify themselves when raising a concern, as this enables a thorough and accurate investigation. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, we will respect your confidentiality as far as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to reveal your identity if legal obligations require it or if the investigation cannot proceed without your identification.

6. Protection for Whistleblowers
FSS is committed to protecting whistleblowers from any form of retaliation or victimization. We guarantee that:

  • No employee or whistleblower will suffer dismissal, disciplinary action, or any form of discrimination for raising a concern in good faith.
  • If any whistleblower feels they are being victimized or retaliated against, they are encouraged to report this, and appropriate action will be taken.

7. Procedure for Raising a Concern
If you have a concern, follow these steps:

Step 1: Raise the Concern Internally

  • Speak to your immediate supervisor or manager.
  • If the concern involves your supervisor or manager, or if you feel uncomfortable speaking to them, report the issue to the Designated Whistleblowing Officer.
  • Step 2: Contact the Whistleblowing Officer
  • Whistleblowing Officer: Daniel Pitt
  • Contact Details: 07880 496632 | office@footballskillsschool.co.uk
  • Alternatively, you can submit a written report marked as “Private and Confidential” to the Whistleblowing Officer.

Step 3: Investigation Process

  • The Whistleblowing Officer will acknowledge receipt of the concern within 5 working days.
  • An initial assessment will be conducted to determine the scope of the investigation.
  • If necessary, an independent investigator may be appointed.
  • All investigations will be conducted impartially, confidentially, and fairly.
  • Depending on the nature of the concern, external bodies such as the police, social services, or regulatory authorities may be involved.

8. Outcome of the Investigation
Once the investigation is concluded:

  • The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome, provided this does not breach confidentiality or legal obligations.
  • If action is required, appropriate measures will be taken, which could include disciplinary action or changes to procedures.
  • In cases where no wrongdoing is found, the investigation will be closed, and the whistleblower will be informed of the outcome.

9. Raising Concerns Externally
If a whistleblower feels that their concern has not been addressed appropriately or wishes to raise the issue externally, they may contact:

  • Local Authorities: Birmingham City Council or Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
  • The Football Association (FA): Child safeguarding concerns or misconduct involving coaches or staff
  • Ofsted: Regarding safeguarding or issues that may affect the welfare of children in the program

10. False or Malicious Allegations
While FSS encourages the reporting of genuine concerns, any allegations made maliciously or without any basis may result in disciplinary action. Whistleblowers must act in good faith when raising concerns.

11. Review of the Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure it remains up-to-date and effective. All updates will be communicated to staff, parents, and other stakeholders involved with FSS.

Approved by: Daniel Pitt
Position: Owner of Football Skills School
Update: 01/09/24

This whistleblowing policy ensures that concerns about misconduct, particularly in the areas of child protection and ethical behaviour, are handled with care, confidentiality, and fairness.