Whistleblowing Policy
Creating Adventurous Places Ltd (CAP.CO) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our operations. In line with our existing policies, we have established this Whistleblowing Policy to encourage and protect employees and other stakeholders who wish to raise concerns about malpractice, wrongdoing, or any behaviour that contravenes the ethical standards we expect.
1. Purpose
This policy aims to provide a clear framework for reporting concerns, ensuring that individuals can disclose information without fear of retaliation, and that such disclosures are addressed appropriately and promptly.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other individuals associated with CAP.CO.
3. Definition of Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing involves reporting information that the individual reasonably believes is in the public interest and indicates serious malpractice or wrongdoing within the organisation. This may include, but is not limited to:
– Criminal offenses
– Failure to comply with legal obligations
– Endangering the health and safety of individuals
– Environmental damage
– Deliberate concealment of any of the above
It is important to distinguish whistleblowing from personal grievances or complaints, which should be addressed through our established grievance procedures as specified in the Staff Handbook.
4. Reporting Procedure
If you have a concern, you are encouraged to report it as soon as possible. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing to your immediate supervisor or manager. If this is not appropriate, or if you feel uncomfortable doing so, you may contact:
Whistleblowing Officer: Bob Ottaway
Email: bob@wearecapco.com
Phone: +44 (0) 7771 883 080
We encourage individuals to identify themselves when raising a concern to facilitate effective investigation and communication. However, reports can be made anonymously. Anonymous disclosures will be considered, though our ability to investigate may be limited.
5. Confidentiality
All disclosures will be treated in confidence. Every effort will be made to protect the identity of the whistleblower, unless disclosure is required by law. In such cases, we will inform you prior to revealing your identity.
6. Investigation Process
Upon receiving a disclosure, CAP.CO will:
– Acknowledge receipt of the concern within one week.
– Conduct a preliminary assessment to determine the appropriate course of action.
– Carry out a thorough and impartial investigation, if deemed necessary.
– Keep the whistleblower informed of the progress and outcome, subject to legal constraints.
Investigations will be conducted promptly, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if allegations are substantiated.
7. Protection Against Retaliation
Any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited. Any employee found to have retaliated against a whistleblower will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
8. False Allegations
While we encourage the reporting of genuine concerns, individuals must ensure that their disclosures are made in good faith. Deliberately making false or malicious allegations is a serious offence and may result in disciplinary action.
9. External Disclosures
We absolutely encourage concerns to be raised internally in the first instance. However, if you believe internal reporting is inappropriate or has been ineffective, you may contact external bodies such as:
Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work): Provides confidential advice on whistleblowing.
Website: https://protect-advice.org.uk/
Phone: 020 3117 2520
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas): Offers guidance on employment rights and best practices.
Website: https://www.acas.org.uk/
Phone: 0300 123 1100
Disclosures to external bodies should be made in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 to ensure legal protection.
10. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with legal requirements and best practices. Employees are encouraged to provide feedback on the policy and its implementation.
11. Training and Awareness
CAP.CO will provide training to employees and managers to ensure understanding of this policy and the importance of an open and ethical workplace culture.
By implementing this Whistleblowing Policy, CAP.CO reinforces its commitment to ethical conduct and provides a safe environment for individuals to voice concerns without fear of reprisal.
Johnny Lyle
Director
Last updated 4th April 2025