Whistleblowing

A route for workers to raise suspected wrongdoing in the public interest, including unsafe care, criminal conduct or a cover-up.

Last updated: 23 July 2026

Is whistleblowing the right route?

Whistleblowing usually means a worker discloses information they reasonably believe shows wrongdoing that affects others or the public interest. It is different from:

  • a personal employment grievance, which should normally use the grievance process;
  • a resident complaint, which should use the complaints process; or
  • an immediate safeguarding risk, which should be reported through the safeguarding route without delay.

Concerns you can raise

  • a criminal offence, fraud or financial wrongdoing;
  • unsafe, abusive or neglectful care;
  • a breach of a legal duty;
  • a danger to health and safety;
  • environmental damage;
  • deliberate concealment of any of these matters.

How to raise a concern with SLS

You can tell your line manager, another senior manager or email whistleblowing@sls.org.uk. You do not have to raise the matter with your manager first if that feels unsafe, they may be involved, or you believe the concern may be concealed.

Confidential or anonymous reports

You may ask us to keep your identity confidential and we will make reasonable efforts to do so. We may need to disclose information where required by law or necessary to protect someone, and we will explain this where possible.

You can report anonymously, although that can make it harder to investigate or ask follow-up questions. Include dates, locations, people involved, what you observed and any records that can lawfully be shared.

What to expect

  1. We will assess the information, immediate safety issues and which person or body should handle it.
  2. We may ask for more information and may use safeguarding, disciplinary, fraud or other procedures where appropriate.
  3. We will keep you informed where possible, but privacy and legal duties may limit the detail we can share.
  4. Workers are protected by law from detriment or dismissal for a qualifying protected disclosure. Whether a disclosure qualifies depends on the facts and legal tests.

External reporting and independent advice

You may report directly to a prescribed person or body rather than SLS. Choose the body whose legal remit covers the issue; for example, CQC for wrongdoing about regulated care. The conditions for legal protection can differ depending on who receives the disclosure, so consider independent advice.