RCR contributors: Whistleblowing policy

Whistleblowing is a term used where an individual raises concerns about inappropriate, underhand or illegal practices within their organisation, or an associated organisation, in the public interest or when an individual discloses information relating to malpractice or wrongdoing and/or the covering up of malpractice or wrongdoing. It is distinct from grievance and complaints procedures as a whistleblowing claim relates to public interest, and a grievance or complaint is defined as a personal dissatisfaction. 

Individuals are protected by law if they report any of the following under the Whistleblowing procedure and genuinely and reasonably believe the disclosure is in the public interest:

• A criminal offence, for example fraud someone’s health and safety is in danger.
• Risk or actual damage to the environment a miscarriage of justice
• The company is breaking the law, for example does not have the right insurance.
• They believe someone is covering up wrongdoing.

Contributors who have concerns about any activity of the RCR can raise these through our whistleblowing process.

Personal grievances or complaints (for example bullying, harassment, discrimination) are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless the case is in the public interest. These issues should be raised as appropriate through the Contributor Problem Solving Policy  or the RCR’s Complaints Procedure. 

To make a disclosure protected under Whistleblowing legislation, the individual should contact the RCR’s Data Protection Officer who will consider the disclosure of information sensitively and carefully (maintaining the anonymity of the discloser where this is possible, though this is not guaranteed*) and decide upon an appropriate response. An individual may also make a disclosure directly to an RCR Trustee who will contact the Data Protection Officer for support in considering the disclosure. In most cases the whistle-blower will be kept updated on the progress of the investigation into the concern raised and as to what action is being taken in response to their disclosure. An update will be shared within 28 working days of receiving their disclosure wherever possible, but this may take longer if the issue is particularly complex.

*Please note that although the RCR will endeavour to keep the identity of the whistle-blower confidential, we cannot prevent their identity from being revealed because, for example, the circumstances surrounding the situation/incident points to them or because it is obvious via a process of elimination.

All Contributors who raise matters of concern under the whistleblowing section of this policy are protected against detrimental treatment, up to and including dismissal, because they have made a disclosure. Bullying, harassment or any other detrimental treatment of a Contributor who has made a qualifying disclosure is unacceptable. Anyone found to have acted in such a manner will be subject to the Contributor Problem Solving Policy  if they are a Contributor or disciplinary action if they are a member of RCR staff.

For independent support and information on the process of whistleblowing you can visit the Protect website and access their helpline.