NHG is committed to operating with honesty, integrity, and accountability. We encourage anyone who has serious concerns about wrongdoing connected to our organisation to report these concerns so they can be addressed promptly and fairly. This statement explains how individuals can raise concerns and what they can expect from us when they do so.

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information that individuals reasonably believe shows serious wrongdoing, such as:

  • Criminal activity
  • Fraud, financial misconduct, or misuse of public funds
  • Bribery or corruption
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Serious breaches of legal obligations
  • Risks to health and safety
  • Environmental damage
  • Attempts to deliberately conceal any of the above

Concerns about personal employment issues are not whistleblowing matters and should be raised through normal HR processes. Concerns about services or general dissatisfaction should be directed to our complaints process. 

Who can raise a concern?

We welcome concerns raised by employees, former employees, contractors, suppliers, partners, volunteers, and members of the public. You do not need proof of wrongdoing to make a report only a reasonable belief that the information is true.

While whistleblowing law (the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998)  provides specific protection for workers, NHG is committed to ensuring that anyone who raises a concern in good faith is treated fairly and with respect. If a resident, customer or member of the public raises a serious concern, we will handle it sensitively and ensure that no one is disadvantaged for speaking up.

How to raise a concern

Concerns can be raised through the following channels:

  • Email: whistleblowing@nhg.org.uk (Emails sent to the whistleblowing inbox are kept strictly confidential and protected by tightly controlled access).
  • Postal address: Bruce Kenrick House 2 Killick Street, London N1 9FL.You can write to us at our registered office addres and mark it clearly as Confidential Whistleblowing.
  • In person: By appointment with a senior member of the governance and compliance team.
  • External reporting: You may also raise concerns with an applicable regulator.

Reports may be made anonymously, although this may limit our ability to investigate fully.

How we handle reports

When a concern is raised, we will:

  1. Acknowledge receipt (unless anonymous)
  2. Assess the information provided
  3. Decide appropriate steps, which may include a formal investigation
  4. Keep you informed where appropriate
  5. Take fair and proportionate action based on the findings

All investigations are carried out objectively and confidentially.

Confidentiality

We treat all whistleblowing reports sensitively. Your identity will be protected wherever possible and will only be shared with those directly involved in assessing or investigating the concern.

Protection from retaliation

We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Anyone found to have acted in a retaliatory manner may face disciplinary or legal action.

Malicious or unfounded reports

We encourage responsible reporting. Deliberately false or malicious allegations may result in appropriate action.

Further information

If you are unsure whether something should be reported or would like confidential advice before raising concern, independent information is available from Protect UK