Whistleblowing ‘hotline’ for children’s social workers goes live

Ofsted has launched a confidential whistleblowing hotline for children’s services workers in England to raise concerns about safeguarding procedures in their organisations.

The inspectorate is now accepting calls from staff in local authorities and other providers who believe children are being placed at risk by poor practice in the workplace. The scheme will run on a pilot basis until July, when its effectiveness will be evaluated. 

An Ofsted spokesperson explained: “While the hotline is mainly aimed at employees and former employees of local authorities, anyone working with children and young people in a service we inspect or regulate may contact us if they have concerns about safeguarding practices and procedures.”

Spotlight on safeguarding

The chief inspector of Ofsted, Christine Gilbert, first announced the move before a committee of MPs in December during questions about the Baby P case.

The hotline is available on 08456 404046 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. An Ofsted spokesperson said there had not been any calls from whistleblowers since lines opened on 1 April.

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