What is BLWB ?
BLWB is an independent service, acting as a neutral third-party, to allow reports of wrong-doing within the Fire, Ambulance or Police Service. It does not investigate the complaints, but captures a complaint, and, when agreed to by the whistle blower, refers the complaint to the investigating function within the organisation. As part of the service, victims of blue light abuse are supported until they are ready to offer evidence, and where requested counselling support can be provided.
Who runs it ?
A group of trustees have developed the service, and operates to a spirit of openness, scrutiny, and accountability. That means we will tell you how we work, monitor what we do, and change when needed.
As the service is rolled-out, the trustees will move to more of a governance roll, with a team put in place.
How is it different to the existing systems ?
True separation from the organisation that the whistle blower is making a report on.
What will the service look like ?
Initially there will be a manned telephone line, that will be open over an extended day. Details of your report will be taken, at this stage it is a listening exercise. The reporter may elect to not give their name, but they will be given a unique user name, so they can call back.
The reporter will be then be given options over the next steps, which may be, hold report pending direction from the reporter, pass on the report to the relevant organisation, or we may recommend holding the report.
In some cases we facilitate further support, such as independent counselling support. Other than facilitating, there is no contact between the counselling service and BLWB – counselling is a support function, not a reporting function.
In other cases, where there has been a sexual assault, we may recommend a referral to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). These are centres that work independently, and can gather, and hold forensic information. A SARC will not report back to the BLWB, that is a relationship beteen the SARC and the reporter.
Following submission of a report to an organisation we will action this with the appropriate blue light service, and monitor progress.
The full extent of the umbrella support that BLWB can offer will depend on the funding it receives, but it is expected to expand over time.
When will the service start ?
During Autumn 2023.
Why is it needed ?
To support the blue light functions run services with less wrong-doing.
The public is seeing an increasing number of news items that involve a serving blue-light worker – that is reducing trust and confidence.
There is a general trend of a reduction in the reporting of wrong-doing from within the emergency services – this system should reverse that trend.
The reduction in whistle blower reports is likely to be for a number of reasons, but will include a lack of confidence in a complaint being taken seriously, and a fear that there will be repercussions, or it will simply make something work.
True confidentiality, and effects on career prospects is also another factor.
Why will this be better ?
It is being run by a 3rd party independent organisation that works to a set of values that is about facilitating more
Why is a central system needed ?
Being external to the emergency means that confidentiality can be assured. We will work throughout England and Wales to apply high standards to reporting, and supporting victims of blue light abuse.
How will it be financed ?
We expect that the service will be financed through a number of sources, including public donations, donations from organisations, and potentially, crime commissioners, local and central government.
How much will the service cost ?
This will depend on the volume of reports that are received, and the full extent of the service that we operate.
We want to offer a service that provides, when needed, wider support to those making a report.
Initially we will have a telephone support only, but will then follow with an online service. There will be an initial pilot covering just certain areas.
For the wider support, we recognise that some of those making a report may need further support, such as counselling. Our aim is to cover the costs of that counselling. (Note that that the counselling will be a relationship between the whistle blower, and counsellor, it is not part of the information gathering process of the BLWB)
Are there any political affiliations ?
There are no political affiliations, and we have not received any donations from any political group.
We welcome support from all that aligns with our objective of service.
BLWB will remain independent of political party, government or any organisation.
It will answer to the trustee board, who will ensure it works to a clear set of commitments o ways of working, to the whistle blower, and the blue light service.
Do you have a legal obligation to pass all complaints over to the relevant authorities ?
Under English Law, there is no legal requirement to report a crime.
Who will have access to any BLWB records ?
Access to records will be strictly limited to the BLWB case worker, and to other team members on a need to know basis. We are currently developing an IT appropriate policy.