Whistleblowing Policy (2026-2027)
Bromley Technical School (BTS)
This policy for Bromley Technical School (BTS) is updated to comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025, the Employment Rights Act 1996, and the latest Department for Education (DfE) guidance on whistleblowing for schools.
Academic Year: 2026-2027 | Effective From: 1st September 2026
Next Review: August 2027
1. Introduction and Purpose
Bromley Technical School is committed to the highest standards of integrity. This policy provides a framework for staff, contractors, and volunteers to raise concerns about serious wrongdoing (malpractice) in the public interest without fear of victimization or detriment. It complies with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA).
2. Scope of Disclosures
Whistleblowing is different from a personal grievance. This policy applies to disclosures where a worker reasonably believes that one of the following is occurring, or has occurred:
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Safeguarding Failures:
Failure to follow KCSIE 2025 standards or the "Low-Level Concerns" framework.
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Criminal Activity:
Including fraud, bribery, or corruption.
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Health and Safety:
Risks to the safety of pupils, staff, or the public.
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Malpractice in Exams:
Risks to the safety of pupils, staff, or the public.
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Miscarriage of Justice or deliberate concealment of any of the above.
3. Safeguarding and “Low-Level Concerns” (2025 Update)
In line with KCSIE 2025, if a concern involves a member of staff’s conduct toward a child, the worker should follow the Safeguarding Policy first.
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Whistleblowing to the LADO:
If a staff member feels that a safeguarding allegation is not being handled correctly by the school, they have a legal right and duty to bypass school management and contact the Bromley Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) directly.
4. Protection for Whistle-blowers
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No Detriment:
The School guarantees that any worker who makes a "protected disclosure" in good faith will not suffer any professional detriment, such as dismissal, demotion, or harassment.
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Confidentiality:
We will make every effort to protect the whistle-blower's identity. However, if an investigation requires the whistle-blower to act as a witness, this will be discussed in advance.
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Anonymous Allegations:
These are discouraged as they are harder to investigate but will be considered at the discretion of the Headteacher/Proprietor based on the seriousness of the issue.
5. Reporting Procedure
Stage 1: Internal Reporting
Concerns should be raised with the Headteacher. If the concern is about the Headteacher, it should be raised with the Proprietor/Chair of Governors.
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Acknowledgment:
Within 3 working days.
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Initial Assessment:
To determine if the concern falls under whistleblowing or another policy (e.g., Grievance).
Stage 2: Investigation
The School will appoint an investigator (internal or external). The whistle-blower will be informed of the progress and the anticipated timeline, subject to legal constraints and third-party confidentiality.
6. External Disclosures (Prescribed Bodies)
If the worker feels the internal process has failed or the matter is too serious, they may contact:
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The NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline:
0800 028 0285 (For child protection concerns).
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Department for Education (DfE):
Via the online contact form.
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Ofsted/ISI:
For concerns regarding school standards or safety.
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Protect (Whistleblowing Charity):
020 3117 2520 (For free, confidential legal advice).
7. Modern Slavery and Supply Chains (2025)
As a technical school with diverse equipment suppliers, BTS encourages workers to whistle blow if they suspect Modern Slavery or labour exploitation within the school's supply chain, in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
8. Key Contact Details
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Headteacher:
Rufus Ogundijo
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Proprietor:
Rt. Rev. AR Ogundijo | 0208 692 4947
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Bromley LADO:
020 8461 7775 | LADO@bromley.gov.uk
Approved by: Rt. Rev. Akanmu Rufus Ogundijo {Head Teacher}
Date: 1st September 2026
