How Our Whistleblowing Service Works

Service Commissioners and Regulators expect the highest standards of behaviour. Employees often see, hear and experience difficult issues within the workplace but feel frightened to raise concerns. Early knowledge and involvement allows organisations to deal with any situation confidently and effectively.

1

Report Submission

Staff can submit concerns through our simple online reporting portal using end-to-end ISO 27001 secure encrypted servers, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2

Professional Review

Our fully trained advisors will take full details of the concern and compile a detailed concern report. We provide an independent, impartial and non-judgemental service.

3

Secure Communication

The report maker will be issued with a unique password allowing them to have a confidential line of communication with us at all times through our anonymous password protected disclosure process.

4

Organisation Notification

We email the detailed concern report directly to the appointed coordinator(s) within your organisation, providing appropriate details to enable identification and resolution of matters raised.

5

Ongoing Support

Where staff members are willing to discuss concerns, our staff offer guidance and support whilst ensuring accurate documentation. We provide updates on outcomes and actions taken.

Why Anonymous Reporting Matters

Whistleblowers need faith that you will keep them anonymous to feel at ease when reporting concerns. Many companies use "solutions" that are neither anonymous, secure, nor compliant with current whistleblowing legislation, resulting in significant financial, reputational, and legal risks.

Good practice dictates that outstanding service providers create atmospheres where workers feel able to report concerns. Having an open culture and independent reporting system helps staff be more confident about raising concerns early when procedures are transparent and easy to use.

Compliance & Certification

CareWhistle issues a certificate of cover which you can use to evidence and improve compliance with regulators and contract compliance teams. Join hundreds of organisations protected by CareWhistle's strict Data Protection standards.

6

Manager Portal Login

Once you subscribe to CareWhistle, designated managers in your organisation will receive secure portal login credentials. This management dashboard allows you to view all reports submitted for your organisation, track their status, manage investigations, and communicate securely with our advisors throughout the resolution process.

7

Case Portal Access

Each individual report generates a unique case portal login system. This allows the report maker to receive notifications when managers have reviewed their concern, track investigation progress, and get updates when issues are resolved. The case portal ensures complete transparency while maintaining anonymity throughout the entire process.

Contact CareWhistle

Need help or have questions about our whistleblowing service? Get in touch with our team.

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Call Us

0800 861 1317

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Documentation & Comprehensive Guide

CareWhistle provides a secure, anonymous whistleblowing service for healthcare and social care organisations across the UK. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to use the service effectively, whether you're reporting a concern or managing reports within your organisation.

For Whistleblowers

If you've witnessed or experienced something concerning at work and want to report it safely:

  1. Report Through Our Report Section: Submit your concern through our secure reporting system
  2. Decide on Anonymity: Report completely anonymously or provide contact details
  3. Provide Details: Describe the concern, when it occurred, who was involved, and any evidence
  4. Receive Case Number: You'll get a unique case number and password
  5. Track Progress: Use your credentials to check updates and communicate securely

For Organisations

If your organisation uses CareWhistle's services:

  1. Designate Coordinators: Assign staff members to receive and manage reports
  2. Receive Reports: Reports are received on the portal and you get notified via email
  3. Investigate Concerns: Follow your internal procedures to investigate
  4. Provide Updates: Communicate with reporters through the secure system
  5. Document Outcomes: Maintain records for regulatory compliance

Reporting a Concern

What to Report

You should report serious workplace concerns that could harm service users, staff, or the organisation, including:

  • Patient or resident safety issues
  • Abuse, neglect, or mistreatment
  • Fraud or financial irregularities
  • Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
  • Breach of care regulations or standards
  • Professional misconduct
  • Data protection violations
  • Unsafe working conditions

How to Report

Online Portal: Visit the "Make Report" page and complete the form with details of your concern.

Important: For life-threatening emergencies, always call 999 first. Use CareWhistle for serious concerns that don't require immediate emergency response.

What Information to Include

Provide as much detail as possible to help investigators:

  • What happened (description of the concern)
  • When it happened (dates and times)
  • Where it happened (location/department)
  • Who was involved (names if known, or descriptions)
  • Any witnesses
  • Evidence (documents, photos, recordings if safe to obtain)
  • Whether the concern is ongoing
  • Any previous attempts to raise the issue

Anonymous vs. Confidential Reporting

Anonymous: No personal information is collected. You receive a case number and password to check updates. Your identity cannot be traced.

Confidential: You provide your name and contact details, but these are only shared with authorised organisational coordinators on a strict need-to-know basis. Your details are never revealed to the subject of the investigation without your consent.

After Submitting a Report

What Happens Next

  1. Acknowledgment: You'll receive a unique case number and password immediately
  2. Review by CareWhistle: Trained advisors assess your report (usually within 24-48 hours)
  3. Report Compilation: A detailed concern document is prepared
  4. Delivery to Organisation: The report is securely sent to designated coordinators
  5. Investigation: The organisation investigates according to their procedures
  6. Updates: You can check for updates using your case password
  7. Resolution: Appropriate action is taken and you're informed of the outcome

Checking Your Case Status

Visit the Case Portal and enter your case number and password. You'll be able to:

  • View updates on your case
  • Send secure messages to investigators
  • Receive responses to your questions
  • Provide additional information or evidence
  • See the final outcome when investigation is complete

Keep Your Credentials Safe: Your case number and password are the only way to access your report. Store them securely and don't share them with anyone.

Legal Protections

UK Whistleblowing Law

Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), workers who make protected disclosures about wrongdoing are legally protected from dismissal and detriment.

What is a Protected Disclosure?

A disclosure is protected if you reasonably believe it shows one of the following:

  • A criminal offence has been, is being, or is likely to be committed
  • A person has failed, is failing, or is likely to fail to comply with legal obligations
  • A miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur
  • The health and safety of an individual is endangered
  • The environment is being, has been, or is likely to be damaged
  • Information about any of the above is being deliberately concealed

For Organisations

Setting Up CareWhistle

Contact us to discuss your organisation's needs. We'll provide:

  • Customised whistleblowing policy template
  • Staff information materials and posters
  • Training for designated coordinators
  • Certificate of Cover for regulatory compliance
  • 24/7 access to reporting channels
  • Secure portal for managing reports

Handling Reports

When you receive a report from CareWhistle:

  1. Acknowledge Receipt: Let the reporter know (via CareWhistle) that you've received their concern
  2. Assess the Concern: Determine severity, urgency, and appropriate investigator
  3. Investigate Thoroughly: Follow your whistleblowing policy and procedures
  4. Keep Records: Document all steps taken and findings
  5. Take Action: Implement corrective measures as appropriate
  6. Provide Feedback: Inform the reporter of the outcome through CareWhistle
  7. Review and Learn: Use insights to improve policies and culture

Regulatory Compliance

CareWhistle helps you meet regulatory requirements:

  • CQC (Care Quality Commission): Demonstrates effective governance and culture of openness
  • Ofsted: Shows commitment to safeguarding and staff welfare
  • Care Inspectorate: Evidence of robust whistleblowing procedures
  • Employment Law: Compliance with whistleblowing legislation
  • Data Protection: GDPR-compliant handling of sensitive information

Security & Privacy

How We Protect Your Information

  • Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
  • Secure Servers: Data is stored on secure UK-based servers with strict access controls
  • Anonymization: Anonymous reports contain no identifiable information
  • Access Controls: Only authorised personnel can access report information
  • Audit Trails: All access to reports is logged and monitored
  • Data Retention: Information is retained only as long as necessary

GDPR Compliance

CareWhistle is fully compliant with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We process personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. For full details, see our Privacy Agreement.

Downloadable Resources

Access helpful materials to support your use of CareWhistle services:

To request these materials, please contact us at info@carewhistle.com or call 08008611317.