Law firm Royds Withy King is highlighting the importance of employers having a robust Covid-19 whistleblowing policy following a reported rise in complaints made to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Social care employers need to have well-managed whistleblowing procedures in place so that their staff have the confidence to report them internally rather than directly to the CQC, according to Royds Withy King partner James Sage (pictured).
“A recent study by the Daily Express indicated that there has been a significant increase – 66 per cent - in complaints made by care staff to CQC during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of concerns raised relating to infection control, social distancing and a lack of PPE,” he added.
The head of Royds Withy King’s health and social care group said it was no surprise the pandemic has created an increased risk of whistleblowing disclosures due to health and safety risks but it is a concern that staff are bypassing employers.
Royds Withy King said care home managers should be alert to the increased risk of whistleblowing disclosures during Covid-19 and have sufficient training to spot them.
Other whistleblowing policy tips for social care employers include:
• A clear policy on how concerns should be raised.
• Reassure staff that they are positively encouraged to raise concerns so that employers can investigate and address any failings and learn from any mistakes that have been made.
• Reassure staff that the disclosure will not adversely affect their position at work.
• Having a facility for anonymous reporting is also likely to encourage concerns being raised internally in the first instance.
• Remember that a worker only has to have a reasonable belief in the alleged wrongdoing and can still be protected even if they are mistaken about the wrongdoing.
• Discuss with the worker what additional support they might need during what can be a difficult or anxious time with access to mentoring, advice and counselling.
• Keep the worker informed of the progress of the investigation.
• Record the number and nature of whistleblowing disclosures and regularly audit them to spot any patterns.
