top of page

WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY


PURPOSE

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, integrity, openness and accountability. We encourage anyone connected with the charity to raise genuine concerns about suspected wrongdoing without fear of victimisation or retaliation.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, freelancers and anyone working on behalf of or in connection with Starmaker Theatre Company.



SCOPE

This policy is intended to provide a safe way to report concerns that are in the public interest and relate to wrongdoing within the charity.

This policy is not intended to deal with personal grievances or complaints relating solely to an individual's employment or volunteering, which should be raised through the appropriate grievance procedure.



SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

Concerns relating to the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult must be reported immediately in accordance with Starmaker Theatre Company's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Concern Reporting Procedure. This Whistleblowing Policy does not replace those procedures.



WHAT SHOULD BE REPORTED?

You should report any genuine concern where you reasonably believe that wrongdoing has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur, including:

  • Criminal activity, such as theft or fraud.

  • Breaches of legal or regulatory obligations.

  • Serious health and safety risks.

  • Misuse or mismanagement of charity funds or assets.

  • Serious misconduct.

  • Deliberate attempts to conceal any of the above.



HOW TO RAISE A CONCERN

Concerns should be raised as soon as reasonably possible with one of the following senior officers in the company:

Concerns may be raised in person, in writing or by email.

If your concern relates to one of the individuals listed above, you should report it to another appropriate trustee or senior officer of the charity.

When raising a concern, please provide as much information as possible, including:

  • What happened.

  • When and where it occurred.

  • Who was involved.

  • Any supporting evidence available.

  • The names of any witnesses, if known.



WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Starmaker Theatre Company will acknowledge your concern where appropriate and assess the information provided.

Where necessary, an investigation will be carried out by an appropriate person who has not been involved in the matter being reported.

You will be informed, where appropriate and lawful to do so, that your concern has been considered and whether any further action has been taken. Confidentiality and the privacy of all parties involved will be respected throughout the process.

Anonymous concerns will be considered wherever possible, although they may be more difficult to investigate fully.



PROTECTION FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS

Anyone who raises a genuine concern honestly and in good faith will not suffer any detriment, victimisation or retaliation as a result of doing so, even if the concern is ultimately not substantiated.

StarmakerTheatre Company will treat all concerns seriously and investigate them fairly and impartially.

Knowingly making false, malicious or vexatious allegations may result in appropriate disciplinary action or, where applicable, termination of volunteering or other involvement with the charity.



EXTERNAL REPORTING

Where you reasonably believe that your concern has not been addressed appropriately, or it is not suitable to report it internally, you may report the matter to an appropriate external body, such as the Charity Commission, the police, the Health and Safety Executive or another relevant regulator.


REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, Charity Commission guidance or the charity's operations.

Approved by: Board of Trustees July 2026

Review Frequency: Every three years

bottom of page