Whistleblowing Policy

Posted on October 15, 2025 by - Childcare Policies

1. Policy Statement 

First Kick Football is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability. This policy provides a framework for staff, volunteers, and others connected with the organisation to raise concerns about malpractice, wrongdoing, or safeguarding risks without fear of reprisal. 

2. Legislative Framework 

  • Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 
  • Employment Rights Act 1996 
  • Equality Act 2010 
  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2024) 
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025) 
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) 

3. What Can Be Reported 

  • Safeguarding or child protection concerns. 
  • Criminal offences. 
  • Failure to comply with legal obligations. 
  • Misuse of funds, fraud, or corruption. 
  • Health and safety risks. 
  • Discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 
  • Attempts to conceal wrongdoing. 

4. Procedure for Raising Concerns 

  • Concerns should be raised as soon as possible with the staff member’s line manager. 
  • If the concern relates to the line manager, it should be raised with the Operations Director. 
  • Safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to the Welfare Officer (Danny Nolan) or Designated Safeguarding Lead. 
  • Concerns may also be reported externally to Ofsted, the Local Authority, the Police, or the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line (0800 028 0285). 
  • All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially where possible. 

5. Protection for Whistleblowers 

Staff who raise genuine concerns in good faith are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Victimisation of whistleblowers will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action. 

6. Responsibilities 

  • Operations Director – ensures concerns are investigated fairly and appropriately. 
  • HR & Coaching Performance Manager / Welfare Officer (Danny Nolan) – leads safeguarding-related whistleblowing investigations. 
  • Holiday Club Manager (Lee Galloway) – ensures staff are aware of whistleblowing procedures at club level. 
  • All Staff – have a duty to raise concerns where they believe wrongdoing or risk exists. 

7. Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required by legislation or safeguarding updates.