Whistleblowing Policy – Codevelo

Last reviewed: January 2026
Next review: January 2027

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1. Policy Statement

Codevelo is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all aspects of its work. We encourage staff, associates, contractors, and others working on behalf of Codevelo to raise concerns about wrongdoing, malpractice, or unsafe practice where this is in the public interest.

This Whistleblowing Policy provides a clear framework for raising concerns safely, responsibly, and without fear of retaliation.

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2. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to:
• employees of Codevelo
• associates, consultants, and contractors
• volunteers or trainees working on behalf of Codevelo
• individuals delivering services under Codevelo’s name

It applies to concerns arising from:
• in-school work
• training and consultancy
• online learning platforms (including codevelo.cloud)
• internal operations and governance

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3. What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the reporting of concerns that are in the public interest, where an individual reasonably believes that one or more of the following has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur:
• safeguarding failures or unsafe practice
• unlawful or criminal activity
• failure to comply with legal or regulatory obligations
• serious professional misconduct
• abuse of power or authority
• financial malpractice or fraud
• actions that endanger the health or safety of others
• deliberate concealment of any of the above

This policy is intended to meet the protections set out in the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA).

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4. What whistleblowing is not

This policy does not cover:
• personal grievances (e.g. pay, workload, contractual disputes)
• complaints about service delivery
• safeguarding disclosures about specific children

These should be raised through:
• Codevelo’s complaints procedure
• safeguarding policy and reporting routes
• line management or contractual processes

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5. Safeguarding and whistleblowing

If a concern relates to the immediate safety or welfare of a child, this must be treated as a safeguarding matter and reported without delay in line with Codevelo’s Safeguarding Policy.

Whistleblowing routes do not replace safeguarding escalation procedures.

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6. How to raise a concern

Concerns should be raised as early as possible and can be reported:

6.1 Internally

In the first instance, concerns should be raised with:
• a senior member of Codevelo
• or the organisation’s designated safeguarding or governance lead

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing.

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6.2 Confidential reporting

Concerns can be raised confidentially by contacting:

Email: hiya@codevelo.org
(Whistleblowing concerns should be clearly marked as such.)

Codevelo will make every effort to protect the identity of the whistleblower, subject to legal obligations.

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7. Anonymous disclosures

Anonymous whistleblowing is permitted. However, individuals are encouraged to provide contact details where possible, as this:
• enables clarification
• supports effective investigation
• improves outcomes

Anonymous concerns will still be considered on their merits.

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8. How concerns will be handled

When a whistleblowing concern is raised, Codevelo will:
• acknowledge receipt where possible
• assess the concern objectively
• decide whether investigation is required
• take appropriate action where wrongdoing is identified

Investigations will be:
• proportionate
• confidential
• conducted by appropriate personnel
• mindful of safeguarding and data protection obligations

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9. Protection for whistleblowers

Codevelo is committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith:
• are not subject to detriment, retaliation, or victimisation
• are supported throughout the process

Any attempt to intimidate or disadvantage a whistleblower will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action or termination of contract.

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10. Malicious or false allegations

Concerns raised maliciously or with knowledge that they are false may result in disciplinary or contractual action. This does not apply where a concern is raised in good faith but is not ultimately substantiated.

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11. External disclosures

If an individual reasonably believes that:
• their concern has not been handled appropriately, or
• it would be unsafe to raise the concern internally

They may make a disclosure to an appropriate external body, such as:
• the Local Authority
• the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Ofsted
• the Police

External disclosures should follow the guidance set out under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

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12. Record keeping and confidentiality

Records of whistleblowing concerns will be:
• kept securely
• accessed only on a need-to-know basis
• retained in line with data protection requirements

Confidentiality will be maintained wherever possible.

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13. Review of this policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
• legislation changes
• the nature of Codevelo’s work changes

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14. Conclusion

Codevelo encourages a culture of openness, accountability, and ethical practice. Raising concerns is a professional responsibility and a vital part of safeguarding trust, integrity, and safety within education.