Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Whistleblowing (‘Public Interest Disclosure’)
We are committed to high standards of openness, integrity and accountability.
To support this, the University has a Whistleblowing Policy which enables workers to raise serious concerns in the public interest, confidentially and without fear of detriment or victimisation. A separate Whistleblowing Procedure sets out the steps for making a disclosure, how concerns are handled, and the governance arrangements that apply.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing, risk or malpractice at work. This may relate to something that has happened, is happening now, or is likely to happen in the future. Concerns raised under the Whistleblowing Policy are distinct from personal grievances.
Is whistleblowing the right route?
The Whistleblowing Policy is not usually the right process if your concern is only about your own employment situation, such as how you have been treated at work. These issues should normally be raised through the Grievance Procedure or another HR process.
If you are not a worker of the University, there may be a more appropriate process for your concern, such as:
Apprenticeship Employer and Partner Complaints Procedure
Student Complaints Procedure
Academic Appeals Procedure
Admissions Complaints Procedure
Research Misconduct Procedure
Data Protection Complaints Procedure
Concerns about safeguarding issues or risks linked to the Prevent Duty should be reported through the relevant safeguarding or Prevent procedures.
If you wish to disclose incidents of bullying, harassment, abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual violence, you can use the Support, Report, Respect platform. Concerns can be made anonymously. In some circumstances, concerns of this nature may also be raised under the Whistleblowing Policy. If you are unsure whether whistleblowing is the right route for your concern, please contact the Designated Officer for advice and guidance.
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Whistleblowing Policy
The Whistleblowing Policy and procedure explains how to make a whistleblowing disclosure, how concerns will be considered and investigated, and the protections available to individuals who raise concerns. The Policy reflects the legal protections set out in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
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Roles and responsibilities
The Board of Governors has designated the Audit & Risk Committee to oversee the proper handling of whistleblowing disclosures and to ensure that the provisions of the Policy are appropriately applied.
The Registrar & Secretary, as the Designated Officer, is the point of contact for staff to go to if they wish to raise concerns. The Designated Officer oversees procedures and decisions taken under the Whistleblowing Policy and may consult relevant senior colleagues as appropriate.
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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.
