Whistleblowing Policy

1. Introduction

TRF Healthcare Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness, probity, and accountability. We encourage a culture where employees, workers, and associated persons feel confident to raise concerns about wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.

This policy is designed to comply with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and provides a framework for individuals to raise concerns about malpractice, illegal acts, or failures to comply with recognised standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, workers, volunteers, agency staff, contractors, and any third parties who work with or on behalf of TRF Healthcare Ltd.

3. What Is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Criminal offences or unlawful acts.
• Failure to comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
• Danger to the health and safety of any individual.
• Abuse or neglect of service users.
• Financial malpractice, fraud, or corruption.
• Damage to the environment.
• Deliberate concealment of any of the above.
• Safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults or children.

4. How to Raise a Concern

If you have a concern, we encourage you to raise it as early as possible. Concerns can be raised:

• Internally: Speak to your line manager, a senior manager, or the Registered Manager in the first instance.
• In Writing: Submit your concern in writing to the management team at info@trfhealthcare.co.uk, clearly marking it as a “Whistleblowing Concern”.
• Anonymously: Whilst we encourage you to identify yourself where possible (to allow effective investigation), anonymous disclosures will be considered and investigated where possible.

5. How We Will Respond

Upon receiving a whistleblowing disclosure, TRF Healthcare Ltd will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the concern within 5 working days.
• Assess the concern and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
• Keep the whistleblower informed of progress where appropriate and possible.
• Take appropriate corrective action based on the findings.
• Report to external bodies (e.g., CQC, Police, local authority) where required by law.

6. Protection for Whistleblowers

TRF Healthcare Ltd will not tolerate any form of retaliation, harassment, victimisation, or disciplinary action against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith under this policy, regardless of whether the concern is ultimately substantiated.

Any individual who retaliates against a whistleblower will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.

7. Confidentiality

All concerns raised will be treated in confidence. The identity of the whistleblower will be protected to the extent possible, consistent with conducting a fair and thorough investigation. We will not disclose the whistleblower’s identity without their consent, unless required by law.

8. External Reporting

If you feel unable to raise your concern internally, or if you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, you may contact the following external bodies:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) — for concerns about care quality and safety.
• Local Authority Safeguarding Team — for safeguarding concerns.
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) — for health and safety concerns.
• The Police — for criminal matters.
• ACAS — for employment-related guidance.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us at:

TRF Healthcare Ltd
Unity 12, 9-19 Rose Road, Southampton, SO14 6TE
Email: info@trfhealthcare.co.uk
Phone: 0238 254 4048