• Know your framework

    • Covered by your organisation’s HR policies and national agreements (e.g., Civil Service Management Code, Local Government Terms & Conditions).

    • Issues can include discrimination, contract disputes, bullying, unsafe workloads.

    Steps

    • Keep a dated record of all incidents and communications.

    • Review and follow your employer’s grievance procedure.

    • Submit in writing and retain copies.

    • Escalate to union, ACAS, or ET if unresolved.

    Use this next

    • Grievance Survival Toolkit → /toolkits/grievance

  • Your rights

    • Article 15 (UK GDPR): access your personal data.

    • Article 16, 18, 19: rectify, restrict, and be notified of disclosures.

    • FOI Act 2000: request public authority information.

    Tips

    • Include a preservation notice in SARs.

    • For FOIs, request advice under Section 16 if near cost limit.

    Use this next

    • Data Governance Toolkit → /toolkits/data-governance

  • Protected disclosure (PIDA) applies for breaches of law, corruption, safeguarding failures, or cover-ups.

    Routes

    • Internal: line manager or designated whistleblowing officer.

    • External (prescribed persons): National Audit Office, ICO, HSE, EHRC, Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman.

    Use this next

    • Whistleblowing Toolkit → /toolkits/whistleblowing

  • Obligations

    • Safeguarding duties under the Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, and other statutory frameworks.

    • Applies to vulnerable service users and sometimes staff.

    Do

    • Report safeguarding concerns promptly via official channels.

    • If ignored, escalate to the Local Authority Safeguarding Board or relevant regulator.

    Use this next

    • Safeguarding Toolkit → /toolkits/safeguarding

  • Transparency matters

    • Pay and promotion governed by published frameworks.

    • Keep documented evidence of your achievements, training, and completed projects.

    If blocked

    • Request formal feedback in writing.

    • Challenge disparities using equality and pay policies.

    Use this next

    • Career Progression Toolkit (coming soon).

  • Who

    • ICO – data protection breaches/SAR issues.

    • EHRC – equality and discrimination cases.

    • HSE – workplace safety.

    • National Audit Office – financial mismanagement.

    • PHSO – maladministration (via MP referral).

    Use this next

    • Engaging Regulators Toolkit → /toolkits/regulators

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