Creating Safer Cultures: Low-Level Concerns & Whistleblowing

This session explores the principles of managing low-level concerns and whistleblowing within residential childcare settings. Drawing on Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015), the Supported Accommodation Regulations (2023), and recent inspection feedback, participants will examine how a transparent and open safeguarding culture empowers staff to raise and respond to concerns early.

We will focus on building a shared understanding of what constitutes a low-level concern, how to respond proportionately, and how whistleblowing fits into organisational safeguarding systems. Practical case studies and reflective discussions will help participants develop confidence in recognising, reporting, and embedding best practice.

Objectives

1. Define low-level concerns and differentiate them from safeguarding allegations and general practice issues.

2. Explore why inspectors increasingly expect homes to have a low-level concerns framework and how this links to safer cultures.

3. Describe the legal and regulatory requirements around whistleblowing (Children’s Homes Regs 2015, Working Together 2023, Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998).

4. Apply procedures for raising, recording, and responding to concerns in line with organisational policies.

5. Reflect on the barriers to reporting and strategies to create a culture of trust and openness.

6. Practise handling case scenarios to test decision-making and proportionate responses.

Your trainer

Leanne Heppleston is an exceptional leader with an impressive track record of nearly two decades in management and operations within the social care sector. She has a passion for safeguarding, and her extensive experience as a qualified child protection trainer and practitioner is a testament to her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. Leanne's ability to manage complex and high-risk cases with compassion and expertise has earned her a reputation as a true champion of safeguarding. She is dedicated to developing and implementing organisational safeguarding policies, procedures, and training strategies that empower teams to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve.

Cost: £60 + VAT

Delivery - The virtual event is hosted on Zoom. Participants need access to a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone, a quiet and private space to join from, and to have made sure they can access Zoom.

If the course is already full, don't worry ! we're a friendly bunch, and we'd love to work some magic to accommodate you. Just reach out to us: office@childrenshomequality.com and we'll do our best to find a spot for you or get you on our waiting list. Your enthusiam is much appreciated, and we're here to help make it happen!

https://childrenshomesquality.com/