The Diocese of Ely is committed to the highest possible standards of integrity and recognises that clergy, lay staff and volunteers are often the first to become aware of or identify serious concerns.
When such concerns arise, barriers to coming forward could be in relation to misplaced loyalty to colleagues or the Church, or fear of harassment or victimisation.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (the ‘Act’) protects workers who raise concerns from victimisation or harassment. In accordance with the Act, the Diocese of Ely welcomes clergy and staff members who have serious concerns about any aspect of the Diocese’s work to come forward and voice those concerns, in confidence, within the Diocese.
The Church of England and Diocese of Ely rely heavily upon the contribution of volunteers and recognise that they are in an important position to recognise and report concerns. While voluntary roles are not included within the Act, the Diocese of Ely encourages volunteers to use this process with the relevant principles of protection applied to them.
This policy is in place to ensure that an internal process is available to encourage and enable workers and volunteers to raise serious concerns which would not meet the criteria for a complaint in confidence and without fear of reprisals, to ensure that the Diocese of Ely continues to provide the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
The Policy can be viewed via the link below.
- EDBF Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure - March 2024 (updated March 2024)