Introduction
 

Liora Homecare is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, professionalism, integrity and accountability.

We encourage all employees, workers, volunteers, agency staff, contractors and other individuals connected with our organisation to speak up if they have concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practices or conduct that may place clients, colleagues or the organisation at risk.

No individual will suffer any detriment for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
 

Purpose
 

The purpose of this policy is to:
 

• Promote a culture of openness and transparency

• Encourage individuals to raise concerns at an early stage

• Protect those who report concerns in good faith

• Ensure concerns are investigated appropriately

• Safeguard the welfare of clients, staff and the wider community
   

What Should Be Reported?
 

Concerns may include, but are not limited to:
 

• Poor quality care or unsafe care practices

• Abuse, neglect or exploitation

• Safeguarding concerns

• Health and safety breaches

• Fraud, theft or financial misconduct

• Falsification of records

• Discrimination, harassment or bullying

• Breaches of policies, procedures or legal requirements

• Serious professional misconduct

• Attempts to conceal wrongdoing
   

How to Raise a Concern
 

Concerns should be reported as soon as possible.
 

You may raise concerns by contacting:
 

Registered Manager
 

Email: info@liorahomecare.co.uk
 

Telephone: 01865570395
 

Written concerns may also be submitted to:
 

Liora Homecare, Witney Business & Innovation Centre, Windrush House, Windrush Park Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 7DX

Where appropriate, concerns may be raised verbally or in writing.
 

Confidentiality
 

All concerns will be treated confidentially wherever possible.

While every effort will be made to protect the identity of individuals raising concerns, there may be circumstances where disclosure is required by law or as part of an investigation.
 

Protection from Victimisation
 

Liora Homecare will not tolerate harassment, victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Any employee found to have subjected another individual to detriment for whistleblowing may be subject to disciplinary action.
 

Investigation Process
 

When a concern is raised, Liora Homecare will:
 

• Acknowledge the concern

• Assess the information provided

• Investigate the matter appropriately

• Take necessary action where concerns are substantiated

• Provide feedback where appropriate and legally permissible
   

The level of investigation will depend on the nature and seriousness of the concern.
 

Raising Concerns Externally
 

If an individual feels unable to raise concerns internally, concerns may be reported to relevant external organisations.
 

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
 

Website: https://www.cqc.org.uk
 

Telephone: 03000 616161
 

Local Authority Safeguarding Team
 

Concerns relating to abuse, neglect or safeguarding may be reported directly to the relevant Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
 

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
 

Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
 

Telephone: 0303 123 1113
 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
 

Website: https://www.hse.gov.uk
 

Telephone: 0300 003 1647
 

Malicious Allegations

Individuals who knowingly make false or malicious allegations may be subject to disciplinary action.

However, no action will be taken against an individual who raises a concern in good faith, even if the concern is not subsequently substantiated.
 

Commitment to Continuous Improvement
 

Liora Homecare views whistleblowing as an important part of maintaining a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.

Concerns raised through this policy will be reviewed and used to improve service quality, governance and client safety.
 

Last Updated: June 2027