Whistleblowing and Safeguarding Policy

Whistleblowing

Anyone working with or for CPUK, including directors, volunteers and contractors, can raise a concern about wrongdoing, such as fraud, misuse of case information, conflicts of interest or breaches of the law. Concerns can be sent in confidence to info@consumer-protection.org.uk, marked “Confidential”.

• We will acknowledge your concern within 5 working days.
• We will look into it fairly and keep you informed where we can.
• We will not tolerate anyone being treated badly for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
• Where appropriate, concerns may also be raised with a prescribed regulator.

Safeguarding

Some people who contact us may be at risk of harm, exploitation or financial abuse, including children and adults who may be vulnerable. We will:

• Treat any concern about someone’s safety as a priority.
• Pass urgent concerns to the right authority: 999 in an emergency, or local social services or police.
• Record what was said and done, and only share information as needed to keep someone safe.
• Make sure everyone working with us knows how to raise a concern.

Responsibility

The directors of CPUK are jointly responsible for this policy, and either director can take a whistleblowing or safeguarding concern. If your concern is about one of the directors, you can write to the other one, or get free, confidential, independent advice from Protect, the whistleblowing charity. The government also publishes a list of “prescribed persons” outside an organisation who can receive certain whistleblowing concerns.

If you work with us and are worried about someone’s safety, do not investigate it yourself. Tell a director straight away, or call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.

Last updated: 4 October 2026. Next review due: 4 October 2027, or sooner if our service changes.