Whistleblowing (‘Public Interest Disclosure’)

We are committed to high standards of openness, probity and accountability.

Our University has put a Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure in place to promote that culture by providing a mechanism for colleagues to make a public interest disclosure without fear of being penalised.

Whistleblowing facilitates concerns to be confidentially raised where there is suspected wrongdoing, risk or malpractice at work, whether this has happened, is happening or is likely to happen in the future. 

  1. Whistleblowing Policy

    The Whistleblowing Policy applies to matters where a disclosure of serious concern or public interest has been made. The Policy sets out the procedure for making a whistleblowing disclosure and how this will be considered and investigated, as well as the legal protections afforded to complainants under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

  2. Roles and responsibilities

    The Board of Governors has designated the Audit Committee as the body which will oversee the proper conduct of investigations of whistleblowing disclosures and ensure that the provisions of the Policy are properly applied.

    The Audit Committee has appointed the Registrar & Secretary as the Designated Officer who will act as a single point of contact for staff to go to if they wish to raise concerns. The Designated Officer will consider complaints made and is responsible for invoking the Policy where deemed appropriate, and overseeing any procedures and decisions taken under the Whistleblowing Policy, though they may consult relevant senior colleagues in reaching a conclusion. The Designated Officer will keep the member of staff raising the concern informed about the investigation and its outcome.

  3. Independent support and advice

    Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work) are leading experts in whistleblowing and can provide independent, confidential support and guidance for individuals on matters relating to whistleblowing disclosures.