Whistleblower Policy

Introduction 

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This policy provides a framework for employees, members, and external stakeholders to report concerns about wrongdoing in a safe and responsible manner. It aligns with the UK’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, whistleblowing legislation, and best practices. FEE further commits to follow the official ‘Guidance for employers and code of conduct’ issued by the UK government in 2015. 

We encourage openness and will support whistleblowers who raise genuine concerns under this policy. FEE prohibits any form of retaliation against whistleblowers and is committed to ensuring the confidentiality and protection of individuals who report concerns. 

 

What to report 

You should report concerns related to serious misconduct, including but not limited to: 

  • Criminal activity or illegal practices (e.g. fraud) 

  • Financial malpractice, corruption, or mismanagement 

  • Endangering the environment 

  • Health and safety risks 

  • Abuse or neglect of beneficiaries 

  • Breaches of legal or regulatory obligations 

  • Attempts to conceal wrongdoing 

  • The organisation breaking the law (e.g. lack of proper insurance) 

  • Harassment, bullying, or discrimination (if reported in the public interest) 

Personal grievances (e.g. harassment or discrimination) do not count as whistleblowing unless they are raised in the public interest. 

 

Who can raise concern 

This policy applies to: 

  • Employees, trustees, and volunteers 

  • Members and partners of the FEE network 

  • Suppliers, contractors, and other external stakeholders 

Any individual working for FEE (employees, interns, volunteers, etc.) who reports wrongdoing in the public interest to the authorities, the Board of Directors, or the CEO is protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. 

 

How to report a concern 

Concerns should be raised as soon as possible through one of the following channels: 

  • Supervisor or Executive Team (for staff and volunteers) 

  • CEO or Board of Directors (for serious concerns) 

  • Confidential Email: [Need an email address] 

  • Designated Safe Space Contact: [Position Name], who serves as a confidential and supportive contact for individuals facing misconduct concerns.  

Reports can be made anonymously, though providing contact details will help with further investigation. FEE encourages reporting to internal channels before approaching external authorities unless the situation requires immediate notification. 

 

Protection and confidentiality 

  • Whistleblowers acting in good faith will be protected from retaliation, victimisation, or discrimination. 

  • Personal information about whistleblowers, witnesses, and all parties involved in reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and only accessible to authorised personnel directly managing the case. 

  • Secure systems will be used for storing and sharing information to prevent unauthorised access. 

  • FEE commits to protecting whistleblowers even if the information reported is disadvantageous to the organisation or may impact its reputation. 

  • Confidentiality will be maintained unless required by law to disclose information. 

  • Malicious or false allegations may result in disciplinary action. 

 

Investigation process 

  • Concerns will be assessed promptly and investigated where necessary. 

  • The whistleblower will receive feedback where appropriate. 

  • If wrongdoing is found, appropriate action will be taken. 

  • Trustees will be notified promptly of any significant concerns raised. 

  • FEE commits to treating disclosures in a fair and timely manner. 

 

External reporting 

If internal reporting is not suitable or effective, concerns can be raised with relevant external authorities such as: 

  • The National Whistleblower Scheme 

  • Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) for financial legislation 

  • The Charity Commission 

  • Other relevant regulatory bodies 

FEE encourages reporting to the CEO and/or Board of Directors before reporting to authorities unless immediate reporting to authorities is required. 

 

Review, compliance, and accessibility 

  • This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with UK whistleblowing legislation. 

  • FEE will follow the official ‘Guidance for Employers and Code of Conduct’ issued by the UK government. 

  • This policy is available on the [Charity Name] website and internal communication platforms. Relevant stakeholders will be informed of where to access this policy and how to take appropriate action if concerns arise. 

Foundation for Environmental Education (2025)