How to safeguard everyone in your household

Whistleblowing is the act of reporting some else's wrongdoing within an organisation. For more information, see the Whistleblowing Procedure (Word doc) [54KB].

You should inform your supervising social worker if you're worried or have any serious concerns. If the concern is about your supervising social worker, you should speak to a manager within Norfolk Fostering Service.

You should raise concerns confidentially or openly and without fear of any comeback. You should record your concerns giving names, dates and places where possible, and the reason why you are concerned.

If you do not feel able to do this, the member of staff you speak to will make a written record of their conversation. Concern should be expressed as soon as possible.

Certain information will be classed as a 'protected disclosure'. A protected disclosure must relate to a specific matter and be made in a certain way. Specific matters include:

• 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 any legal obligation
• A miscarriage of justice has happened, is happening or is likely to happen
• The health and safety of any individual has been, is being or is likely to be damaged
• Damage to the environment has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur
• Information showing any of the above has been or is being or is likely to be deliberately hidden

The issue will be looked into and either an internal enquiry or formal investigation will take place. You'll be informed of the outcome. If you're not happy with the outcome, you can raise this with the manager who deals with complaints.

Concerns which come under another procedure, such as Child Protection, will normally be referred and dealt with under the Norfolk Children Safeguarding Partnership (opens new window).

Standards and regulations

Fostering Services National Minimum Standards (England) 2011

• Standard 4 - Safeguarding Children (opens new window)

Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care

• Standard 2 - Understand your role as a foster carer
• Standard 6 - Keep children and young people safe from harm

Read the Training, Support and Development Standards for Foster Care