Whistleblowing Policy

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Whistleblowing Policy is to provide a clear framework for trustees, staff, volunteers, and participants to raise concerns about wrongdoing or malpractice within the West Oxfordshire Performing Arts Foundation (WOXPAF) and the Oxfordshire Festival of Speech, Drama & Musical Theatre (OFSDMT).

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to all individuals involved with WOXPAF and OFSDMT, including trustees, volunteers, contractors, adjudicators, and participants. It covers concerns raised in connection with any aspect of the charity’s operations or events.

3. TYPES OF CONCERNS

Concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Criminal activity or fraud
• Safeguarding breaches
• Health and safety risks
• Discrimination, harassment, or bullying
• Misuse of charity funds or resources
• Breach of legal or regulatory obligations
• Conduct that brings the charity into disrepute

4. REPORTING CHANNELS

Concerns should be reported to the Designated Whistleblowing Officer or the Chair. Reports may be made verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports will be considered, although providing contact details may assist in a thorough investigation.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY

All whistleblowing reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The identity of the whistleblower will not be disclosed without their consent, unless required by law or necessary for the investigation.

6. PROTECTION FROM RETALIATION

WOXPAF and OFSDMT are committed to protecting whistleblowers from retaliation. Any individual who raises a concern in good faith will not be subject to dismissal, disciplinary action, or any form of disadvantage.

7. INVESTIGATION PROCESS

Upon receiving a report, the Designated Whistleblowing Officer or Chair will assess the concern and determine the appropriate course of action. This may include a formal investigation, referral to external authorities, or internal resolution. The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome where appropriate.

8. OUTCOMES

If wrongdoing is identified, appropriate corrective action will be taken, which may include disciplinary measures, policy changes, or legal reporting. If no wrongdoing is found, the matter will be closed with a record of the investigation.

9. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This policy is guided by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), which protects whistleblowers from retaliation and ensures concerns are addressed appropriately.

10. DESIGNATED CONTACTS

The Designated Whistleblowing Officer is appointed by the Board of Trustees. Contact details will be made available to all staff and volunteers.

11. TIMEFRAMES

Concerns will be acknowledged within 5 working days and investigated within 30 days where possible.

12. AWARENESS AND TRAINING

All staff and volunteers will be made aware of this policy during induction and through periodic training.

13. EXTERNAL REPORTING

If internal reporting is not appropriate, concerns may be raised with external bodies such as the Charity Commission or relevant regulators.

14. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current legislation and best practice.

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