Whistleblowing policy

Speak up — safely and confidentially

We expect everyone working with Vayacare — staff, drivers, PAs, subcontractors, and partners — to raise concerns about unsafe, illegal, or dishonest practices. Raising a concern is the right thing to do.

What to report

Types of concern covered

!A safeguarding concern involving a child
!Dishonesty or financial fraud within Vayacare
!Unsafe working practices or vehicle conditions
!Falsification of DBS, training, or compliance records
!Bullying, harassment, or discrimination by a colleague or manager
!Deliberate breach of data protection or confidentiality
!Covering up an incident or welfare concern
!Any illegal activity connected to Vayacare operations
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first. Do not wait for internal reporting processes.
How to report

Reporting channels

Confidential hotline
Anonymous option
0800 123 4567 (free, 24/7)
Received by
Independent third-party provider
Response time
Acknowledged within 24 hours
Email
Named only
whistleblowing@vayacare.co.uk
Received by
Vayacare DPO / Board director
Response time
Acknowledged within 48 hours
Post (confidential)
Anonymous option
Marked 'Strictly private & confidential' — to the Whistleblowing Officer, Vayacare Ltd, [address]
Received by
Board director directly
Response time
Acknowledged within 5 working days
External: Ofsted
Named only
contact@ofsted.gov.uk · 0300 123 1231
Received by
Ofsted Whistleblowing team
Response time
Per Ofsted process
Process

What happens when you report

1
You raise a concern
Via any of the channels listed. Provide as much detail as you can, but even a partial concern is worth raising.
2
Acknowledgement
You will receive acknowledgement within the timeframes above. If you raise anonymously via the hotline you will receive a reference number.
3
Assessment
The whistleblowing officer will assess the concern. If it involves safeguarding, it will be referred to the designated safeguarding lead immediately.
4
Investigation
A proportionate investigation will take place. You will be kept informed where you have provided contact details.
5
Outcome
You will be told the outcome where possible. Where action is taken, it may not be possible to share full details due to confidentiality.
6
Protection
Vayacare will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith. This is a disciplinary matter.

You are protected

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who make disclosures in good faith from detriment or dismissal. Vayacare fully supports these protections and will take disciplinary action against anyone who retaliates against a genuine whistleblower.

whistleblowing@vayacare.co.uk · 0800 123 4567 (free, 24/7)