The Boys’ Brigade is committed to providing a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for everyone who participates in, volunteers with, or is involved in our activities. We strive to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, integrity, accountability and safeguarding in everything we do.

Whilst we work to ensure that these standards are consistently met, there may be occasions when things go wrong or where conduct falls short of what is expected. Everyone connected with the organisation has a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of behaviour, practices or decisions that may be harmful, unlawful, unethical or inconsistent with our values, policies, procedures and guidance.

This Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework for employees, volunteers and others to raise concerns about wrongdoing in a safe, confidential and responsible manner.

Policy Statement

The Boys’ Brigade:

• Encourages all individuals to raise genuine concerns
• Will treat all disclosures seriously, fairly and confidentially
• Will not tolerate harassment, victimisation or retaliation against whistleblowers
• Will take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified

Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported, even if the concern is not ultimately substantiated.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Encourage individuals to report concerns about wrongdoing or malpractice or inappropriate conduct
• Provide clear procedures for raising concerns
• Ensure concerns are taken seriously and investigated appropriately
• Protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation or retaliation
• Promote a culture of openness, accountability and ethical behaviour

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Volunteers
• Trustees and committee members
• Employees of The Boys’ Brigade
• Other workers
• Any individual acting on behalf of The Boys’ Brigade

This policy applies to concerns arising in relation to BB activities in the UK or overseas.

What Is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information relating to suspected wrongdoing, malpractice or risk that is believed to be in the public interest.

Concerns may include (but are not limited to):

• Safeguarding concerns or failures
• Failure to comply with legal obligations
• Health and safety risks
• Environmental damage
• Abuse of authority or misuse of BB property
• Attempts to conceal wrongdoing
• Fraud, theft or financial irregularities
• Bribery or corruption

This policy is not intended to replace normal grievance procedures relating to personal employment matters or complaints which are not whistleblowing. Any complaints should be reported in line with the Complaints Policy.

Safeguards for Whistleblowers

Protection from Victimisation

The Boys’ Brigade is committed to ensuring that no individual will suffer adverse treatment as a result of raising concerns in good faith.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act applies to those employed by The Boys’ Brigade, not volunteers.

Confidentiality

All concerns will be handled sensitively. The identity of the whistleblower will be kept confidential where possible, subject to legal and investigatory requirements.

Malicious Allegations

Deliberately false or malicious allegations may result in action being taken against the individual reporting.

How to Raise a Concern

Concerns should be raised as soon as possible to allow prompt investigation. You do not have to wait for proof when reporting.  Concerns may be reported to:

For volunteers:

• BBHQ – Compliance Lead, who will liaise with the Senior Management Team

For employees:

• A Line Manager
• The Chief Executive
• The Chair of Trustees (where appropriate)

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing, although if raised verbally, these should be followed up in writing. Concerns should include:

• The nature of the concern
• Relevant background information
• Dates, locations and individuals involved
• Any supporting evidence available

Anonymous disclosures will be accepted and treated equally, though they may be more difficult to investigate and pursue.

Handling and Investigating Concerns

Complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days, and if a formal investigation is deemed necessary, we will report back to the complainant within 28 days with the outcome of the investigation. If this timescale is extended for whatever reason the complainant will be contacted with an explanation and a revised estimate of when the matter will be concluded.

The Boys’ Brigade will:

• Keep the whistleblower informed where appropriate
• Ensure any investigation will be conducted fairly, objectively and proportionately
• Take corrective or disciplinary action where required

External Reporting

While the BB encourages concerns to be raised internally first, individuals have the right to raise concerns with external bodies where appropriate, including:

• The NSPCC Whistleblowing
• The Health and Safety Executive
• The Police
• The Charity Commission
• Other prescribed regulatory bodies

Independent advice may be sought from organisations such as Protect (the whistleblowing charity).

Responsibilities

Trustees and Senior Management

• Promote a culture of openness and ethical behaviour
• Ensure this policy is implemented and reviewed

Employees and Volunteers

• Raise genuine concerns promptly
• Co‑operate with investigations
• Act responsibly and in good faith

Relationship with Other Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Leaders Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy Statement
• Financial Controls and Procedures
• Employee Handbook
• Anti‑Bribery and Corruption Policy

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with legislation and best practice.