Whistleblowing Policy

Purpose Driven Youth
Date of Issue: September 2025
Review Date: September 2026

1. Policy Statement

Purpose Driven Youth (PDY) is fully committed to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability. We recognise that our staff, volunteers, mentors, and others working with us are often the first to notice concerns relating to wrongdoing or risks to young people, staff or the organisation.

This policy outlines the procedure for raising concerns about malpractice, wrongdoing, or dangers in connection with our activities, and provides assurance that anyone who raises genuine concerns will be protected from victimisation or disadvantage.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, volunteers, mentors and tutors

  • Contractors, freelancers, and consultants

  • Trustees and board members

  • Any other individuals working on behalf of PDY

Whistleblowing refers to the reporting of suspected wrongdoing or dangers in relation to our activities. This might include (but is not limited to):

  • Safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people

  • Criminal activity

  • Breaches of legal or professional obligations

  • Health and safety risks

  • Financial mismanagement or fraud

  • Unethical or discriminatory behaviour

  • Any attempts to cover up the above

Please note: This is not a route for personal grievances (e.g. bullying, disputes, or terms of employment), which should be raised through the appropriate grievance procedure.

3. Our Commitment to You

If you raise a genuine concern under this policy:

  • You will be taken seriously and treated with respect

  • Your concern will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially

  • You will not suffer any detriment or retaliation for raising concerns in good faith

We will not tolerate the victimisation or harassment of anyone who raises concerns under this policy.

4. How to Raise a Concern

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing. You are encouraged to speak up as early as possible, even if you are unsure whether your concern qualifies as whistleblowing.

You can raise your concern through one of the following channels:

Internal Reporting (Recommended First Step):

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead: dsl@purposedrivenyouth.org.uk

  • Designated Trustee for Whistleblowing: trustee.whistleblowing@purposedrivenyouth.org.uk

Please provide as much detail as possible, including:

  • The nature of the concern

  • Names, dates, locations and any relevant evidence

  • Whether you’ve raised it elsewhere

You may remain anonymous if you wish, though this may limit our ability to investigate the matter thoroughly.

5. What Happens Next?

Once a concern is raised:

  1. Acknowledgement – You’ll receive an acknowledgment (unless raised anonymously).

  2. Initial Assessment – A preliminary assessment will be made to determine the appropriate course of action.

  3. Investigation – If warranted, a full investigation will be undertaken. This may involve internal leads or an external independent investigator.

  4. Outcome & Follow-Up – You will be informed of the outcome where appropriate, bearing in mind confidentiality obligations.

All reports and investigations will be documented and stored securely in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

6. External Reporting Options

If you feel unable to raise your concern internally, or believe it has not been handled appropriately, you may contact:

  • NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285 / help@nspcc.org.uk

  • Ofsted (if the concern relates to education/safeguarding): www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

  • Charity Commission: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission

We encourage internal reporting wherever possible, but we respect your right to approach external bodies.

7. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees, or more frequently if legislation or organisational needs change.