We are committed to maintaining a culture where it is safe and acceptable for all those involved in the club to raise concerns about unacceptable practice and misconduct. The purpose of this policy is to encourage all individuals to report any concerns they may have about unacceptable practice or behaviour, without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.
Reasons for whistle-blowing
Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behaviour:
- To prevent the problem worsening or widening
- To protect or reduce risk to others
- To prevent becoming implicated yourself
What stops people from sharing concerns (whistle-blowing?):
- Fear of starting a chain of events
- Reluctance to disrupt work or training
- Fear of getting it wrong
- Fear of repercussions or damaging careers
- Fear of not being believed
Reporting a concern
If you have a concern that you would like to report, you should first raise it with your Club Safeguarding Officer in person or by email (safeguarding@wantagecc.co.uk). If for any reason you cannot or do not wish to report the matter to your Safeguarding Officer, you should refer to your County Safeguarding Officer (https://www.oxfordshire.cricket/safeguarding). If you cannot or do not wish to report the information to either of these, then please contact the ECB Safeguarding Team by email on safeguarding@ecb.co.uk or telephone 020 7432 1200. Alternatively, you can also contact Public Concern at Work on 020 7404 6609 or whistle@pcaw.org.uk.
Confidentiality
All concerns will be treated in confidence. During the process of investigating the matter, every effort will be made to keep the identity of those raising the concern unknown, except to the minimum number of individuals practicable.
Protection
Your Safeguarding Officer, County Safeguarding Officer, and the ECB have a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimisation. No action will be taken against you if the concern proves to be unfounded and was raised in good faith. Malicious allegations may be considered a disciplinary offence.
Feedback
The amount of feedback relating to the issue will vary depending on the nature and result of the investigations. However, where possible, those who have raised concerns will be kept informed of the progress and conclusion of investigations, although they may not be informed of the detail unless they would need this information in order to safeguard children.