Sevenoaks Literary Festival (SLF) is committed to being open, honest and accountable. It encourages a free and open culture in its dealings between the committee and those working with SLF, both volunteers and contractors.

This policy aims to help the committee and contractors/volunteers to raise any serious concerns they may have about colleagues or SLF with confidence and without having to worry about being victimised, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way as a result.

Please note that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 does not apply in this context as it only relates to employees (see government guidance here.)

What types of concerns?

The policy is intended to deal with serious or sensitive concerns about wrongdoings such as the following:

a criminal offence
a failure to comply with any legal obligation
a failure in the protection of children or vulnerable adults
a miscarriage of justice
a health and safety risk to an individual
damage to the environment
or concealment of the above.

It is not necessary for individuals who raise the concern to prove the wrongdoing that is alleged to have occurred or is likely to occur.

However if an individual knowingly or maliciously makes an untrue allegation (eg: in order to cause disruption within SLF or to harm another individual), this will constitute a breach of the code of conduct.

Individuals should note that they will not be protected from the consequences of making a disclosure if, by doing so, they commit a criminal offence.

This policy does not deal with any complaints individuals may have about their own situation, which should be dealt with through the complaints procedure.

Our safeguarding and equal opportunities policies offer protection to individuals working or volunteering with SLF against harassment, bullying and discrimination.

How to raise a concern in the workplace

The person designated to handle whistleblowing concerns is Kim Silver and shall be known as the Whistleblowing Lead.

Individuals should in most cases, first report their concern to a member of the committee, who is expected to respond to that matter. If the relevant committee member cannot deal with the matter, he or she will refer the concern to the Whistleblowing Lead.

Dependent on the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, and who is suspected of the wrongdoing, the individual can, if necessary report directly to the Whistleblowing Lead. If the matter concerns the Whistleblowing Lead, it should be raised with the Committee.

Individuals are encouraged to raise their concerns in writing where possible, setting out the background and history of their concerns (giving names, dates and places where possible) and indicating the reasons for their concerns.

If any individual is unsure whether to use this procedure or they want independent advice at any stage, they should contact the independent organisation, Protect’s charity advice line via its webform.

They will be able to advise on how and with whom to raise a concern about malpractice.

If the individual reasonably believes that the matter relates wholly or mainly to the conduct of a person or body other than SLF or any other matter for which a person or body other than SLF has legal responsibility, the disclosure should be made to that other person or body.

Protecting the individual raising the concern

If an individual raises a concern which they believe to be true, SLF will take appropriate action to protect the individual from any harassment, victimisation or bullying.

The matter will be treated confidentially if the individual requests it and their name or position will be not be revealed without their permission unless SLF has to do so by law. If in other circumstances the concern cannot be resolved without revealing the individual’s identity, the Whistleblowing Lead will discuss with the individual whether and how to proceed.

Concerns raised anonymously tend to be far less effective, but the Whistleblowing Lead will decide whether or not to consider the matter taking into account:

the seriousness of the matter;
whether the concern is believable;
whether an investigation can be carried out based on the information provided.

How SLF will deal with the concern

How the concern will be dealt with, will depend on what it involves. It is likely that further enquiries and/or investigation will be necessary. The concern may be investigated by SLF’s Whistleblowing Lead, the committee, through the disciplinary process or it may be referred to the police, other agencies such as Social Services, an external auditor or an independent investigator.

It may be necessary for the individual to give evidence in criminal or disciplinary proceedings.

SLF will give the individual feedback on the progress and outcome of any investigation wherever possible.

If the suspicions are not confirmed by an investigation, the matter will be closed. Individuals will not be treated or regarded any differently for raising the concern, and their confidentiality will continue to be protected.

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Further Information

Protect (Whistleblowing Advice) Limited

This organisation is an independent authority on public interest and whistleblowing. It promotes compliance with the law and good practice. They also aim to influence public policy and legislation. You can find more information at their website by clicking here.

ACAS

The Arbitration Conciliation & Advisory Service website provides guidance on whistle-blowing for both employers and employees www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1919

Direct.Gov

Information on whistleblowing can be accessed through the government websites.

www.gov.uk/whistleblowing/overview

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

CIPD is is the professional body for those involved in the management and development of people.

They have a factsheet on whistleblowing.

www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/empreltns/whistleblw/whistle.htm

Change Record

Date of Change:	Changed By:	Comments:
21/01/2026		Policy approved by the Committee (no changes)

Sevenoaks Literary Festival gratefully acknowledges the information provided by Small Organisation Support in the preparation of this policy. It has been substantially changed and abridged to reflect our position as an entirely voluntary organisation.

This leaflet is made available to charities and not-for-profit organisations under a

Creative Commons Attributable – Non Commercial – Share Alike International 4.0 License

That license lets you remix, adapt, and build upon this material non-commercially, as long as you credit Small Organisation Support and license your new creations under the identical terms.

Whistleblowing Policy