Getting Started
CareWhistle provides a secure, anonymous whistleblowing service for healthcare and social care organisations across the UK. This documentation will help you understand how to use the service effectively, whether you're reporting a concern or managing reports within your organisation.
For Whistleblowers
If you've witnessed or experienced something concerning at work and want to report it safely:
- Choose Your Reporting Method: Online portal or email
- Decide on Anonymity: Report completely anonymously or provide contact details
- Provide Details: Describe the concern, when it occurred, who was involved, and any evidence
- Receive Case Number: You'll get a unique case number and password
- Track Progress: Use your credentials to check updates and communicate securely
For Organisations
If your organisation uses CareWhistle's services:
- Designate Coordinators: Assign staff members to receive and manage reports
- Receive Reports: Reports are received on the portal and you get notified via email
- Investigate Concerns: Follow your internal procedures to investigate
- Provide Updates: Communicate with reporters through the secure system
- Document Outcomes: Maintain records for regulatory compliance
Reporting a Concern
What to Report
You should report serious workplace concerns that could harm service users, staff, or the organisation, including:
- Patient or resident safety issues
- Abuse, neglect, or mistreatment
- Fraud or financial irregularities
- Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
- Breach of care regulations or standards
- Professional misconduct
- Data protection violations
- Unsafe working conditions
How to Report
Online Portal: Visit the "Make Report" page and complete the form with details of your concern.
Important: For life-threatening emergencies, always call 999 first. Use CareWhistle for serious concerns that don't require immediate emergency response.
What Information to Include
Provide as much detail as possible to help investigators:
- What happened (description of the concern)
- When it happened (dates and times)
- Where it happened (location/department)
- Who was involved (names if known, or descriptions)
- Any witnesses
- Evidence (documents, photos, recordings if safe to obtain)
- Whether the concern is ongoing
- Any previous attempts to raise the issue
Anonymous vs. Confidential Reporting
Anonymous: No personal information is collected. You receive a case number and password to check updates. Your identity cannot be traced.
Confidential: You provide your name and contact details, but these are only shared with authorised organisational coordinators on a strict need-to-know basis. Your details are never revealed to the subject of the investigation without your consent.
After Submitting a Report
What Happens Next
- Acknowledgment: You'll receive a unique case number and password immediately
- Review by CareWhistle: Trained advisors assess your report (usually within 24-48 hours)
- Report Compilation: A detailed concern document is prepared
- Delivery to Organisation: The report is securely sent to designated coordinators
- Investigation: The organisation investigates according to their procedures
- Updates: You can check for updates using your case password
- Resolution: Appropriate action is taken and you're informed of the outcome
Checking Your Case Status
Visit the Case Portal and enter your case number and password. You'll be able to:
- View updates on your case
- Send secure messages to investigators
- Receive responses to your questions
- Provide additional information or evidence
- See the final outcome when investigation is complete
Keep Your Credentials Safe: Your case number and password are the only way to access your report. Store them securely and don't share them with anyone.
Legal Protections
UK Whistleblowing Law
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), workers who make protected disclosures about wrongdoing are legally protected from dismissal and detriment.
What is a Protected Disclosure?
A disclosure is protected if you reasonably believe it shows one of the following:
- A criminal offence has been, is being, or is likely to be committed
- A person has failed, is failing, or is likely to fail to comply with legal obligations
- A miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur
- The health and safety of an individual is endangered
- The environment is being, has been, or is likely to be damaged
- Information about any of the above is being deliberately concealed
For Organisations
Setting Up CareWhistle
Contact us to discuss your organisation's needs. We'll provide:
- Customised whistleblowing policy template
- Staff information materials and posters
- Training for designated coordinators
- Certificate of Cover for regulatory compliance
- 24/7 access to reporting channels
- Secure portal for managing reports
Handling Reports
When you receive a report from CareWhistle:
- Acknowledge Receipt: Let the reporter know (via CareWhistle) that you've received their concern
- Assess the Concern: Determine severity, urgency, and appropriate investigator
- Investigate Thoroughly: Follow your whistleblowing policy and procedures
- Keep Records: Document all steps taken and findings
- Take Action: Implement corrective measures as appropriate
- Provide Feedback: Inform the reporter of the outcome through CareWhistle
- Review and Learn: Use insights to improve policies and culture
Regulatory Compliance
CareWhistle helps you meet regulatory requirements:
- CQC (Care Quality Commission): Demonstrates effective governance and culture of openness
- Ofsted: Shows commitment to safeguarding and staff welfare
- Care Inspectorate: Evidence of robust whistleblowing procedures
- Employment Law: Compliance with whistleblowing legislation
- Data Protection: GDPR-compliant handling of sensitive information
Security & Privacy
How We Protect Your Information
- Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
- Secure Servers: Data is stored on secure UK-based servers with strict access controls
- Anonymization: Anonymous reports contain no identifiable information
- Access Controls: Only authorised personnel can access report information
- Audit Trails: All access to reports is logged and monitored
- Data Retention: Information is retained only as long as necessary
GDPR Compliance
CareWhistle is fully compliant with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We process personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. For full details, see our Privacy Agreement.
Downloadable Resources
Access helpful materials to support your use of CareWhistle services:
📋 Whistleblowing Policy Template
Sample policy document for organisations
Request Template →
📄 Staff Information Sheet
How to use CareWhistle - for employees
Request Sheet →
To request these materials, please contact us at info@carewhistle.com or call 08008611317.