Speaking up about workplace issues

Speaking up can help stop a problem before it gets any worse and it could even prevent the wrongdoing, risk or danger, happening in the first place. Many employers have policies in place to support teachers speaking up about wrongdoing. Sometimes these are joint agreements with professional associations, which provide clarity about expected working practices and the routes available to speak up about concerns.

Speaking up about workplace issues is sometimes referred to as whistleblowing. Teachers should understand their responsibilities under their employer’s child protection and whistleblowing (or equivalent) policies. This requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge and understanding of child and protected adult procedures.

Protecting children involves recognising when to be concerned about a child’s safety, understanding when and how to share these concerns and knowing what steps are required to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

In line with your employer’s Child Protection Procedures, there will be a designated member of staff who should be contacted. If you are ever in doubt about speaking up, or an individual’s welfare and safety, you should speak to your designated contact, a line manager, a trusted colleague or a professional association representative when you have concerns and seek appropriate advice.