Introduction
The whistleblowing policy at Goddard Veterinary Nursing College (GVNC) is designed to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the college prior to seeking resolution outside.
Policy Objectives
- To ensure that concerns about maladministration or malpractice relating to the RCVS Code of Conduct are reported and addressed promptly.
- To protect individuals who report these concerns from any backlash or unfair treatment.
- To provide a clear procedure for reporting concerns that include potential conflicts of interest, fraudulent activities, or breaches of the RCVS Code of Conduct.
Reporting Procedure
- Internal Reporting: Concerns should first be reported to the Head of Centre or a designated senior staff member within GVNC. This allows the college to address the issue internally and take corrective action.
- External Reporting: If the internal reporting process is not followed or the response is inadequate, concerns should be reported directly to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) if related to concerns regarding maladministration or fraudulent use of funding or the RCVS if relates to concerns regarding regulatory activities.
Protection for Whistleblowers
GVNC is committed to protecting those who report concerns from any form of retaliation or victimisation because of their disclosure. This is in accordance with the Public Interest
Disclosure Act 1998.
Conflicts of Interest
Any conflicts of interest must be declared as per the college’s policy. Failure to do so or any resulting maladministration should be reported through the whistleblowing channels.
Fraudulent Activities
Any suspicions of fraud, especially those related to funding, must be reported immediately. This includes any fraudulent activities that have not been appropriately disclosed or addressed by the college’s management.
Conclusion
GVNC takes all concerns related to the RCVS Code of Conduct, maladministration, malpractice, and fraudulent activities seriously. The college’s whistleblowing policy is an
essential part of maintaining integrity and accountability within the college. All members of the college community are urged to use the whistleblowing policy responsibly and in the interest of the college and its stakeholders.
For further guidance on whistleblowing procedures and protections, please refer to the RCVS supporting guidance on whistleblowing and the British Veterinary Nursing Association’s advice on the matter.