Date Adopted: August 2025

Review Date: July 2026

1. Purpose

Lighthouse Dementia Support is committed to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and safeguarding. This policy encourages trustees, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries to report concerns about wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. It ensures that concerns are taken seriously, investigated fairly, and addressed appropriately.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Staff (paid and unpaid)
• Volunteers
• Contractors
• Beneficiaries and carers

It covers concerns raised about the charity’s operations, governance, or conduct that are in the public interest.

3. What Is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the reporting of serious concerns that may include:

• Criminal activity
• Safeguarding breaches or neglect
• Misuse or theft of charity funds
• Breach of charity law or regulatory obligations
• Serious health and safety risks
• Discrimination, harassment, or abuse
• Attempts to conceal wrongdoing

It does not cover personal grievances (e.g. disputes with colleagues), which should be addressed through the charity’s complaints or grievance procedures.

4. Legal Protection

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, whistleblowers are protected from dismissal, victimisation, or other detriment if:

• The disclosure is made in good faith
• The concern is in the public interest
• The whistleblower reasonably believes the information is true

5. Reporting Procedure

a. Who to Report To

• Chair of Trustees – for governance or financial concerns
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – for safeguarding concerns
• CEO – for operational concerns (unless involved in the issue)

b. How to Report

• In writing, by email, or verbally
• Anonymous reports are accepted, though may limit investigation
• Reports should include as much detail as possible (dates, names, evidence)

c. Initial Response

• Acknowledgement within 5 working days
• Preliminary review to assess risk and scope
• Decision on whether to escalate to full investigation

d. Investigation

• Conducted by a designated trustee or external party if needed
• Confidentiality maintained as far as possible
• Findings and actions documented

e. Outcome

• Feedback provided to the whistleblower (unless anonymous)
• Corrective action taken if necessary
• Serious issues reported to the Charity Commission or other authorities

6. Safeguards for Whistleblowers

No whistleblower will suffer retaliation, dismissal, or disadvantage for raising a genuine concern.

Malicious or knowingly false reports may result in disciplinary action.

Support will be offered to whistleblowers, including emotional support or referral to external services if needed.

7. Confidentiality

All reports will be handled with discretion. Information will only be shared with those who need to know to investigate and respond. Anonymous reports will be respected, though may limit follow-up.

8. Trustee Oversight and Review

The board will receive a summary of whistleblowing activity annually (without identifying individuals).

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.