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26
Jul 2024
New Knaresborough whistleblowers charity formed for emergency services
A new charity based in Knaresborough has been officially recognised by the Charity Commission following a two-year registration period.
Blue Light Whistle Blowers provides an anonymous way to whistle-blow on wrongdoing by those employed in the fire, police or ambulance services.
It will work in partnership with blue light officers across the services. Including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, police and crime commissioners, elected mayors, and the Care Quality Commission.
It aims to promote an understanding of the ethical standards of conduct amongst those accountable. It will provide advice and assistance through an independent and anonymous whistleblowing system.
The charity is aimed at employees, or former employees or officers of the Blue Light Services, who have been faced with unethical standards of conduct who seek to raise their concerns.
Blue Light Whistle Blowers is chaired by Knaresborough's former crime commissioner Philip Allott and has three other trustees: Kathy Cox, Adele Winkley and Guy Phoenix.
Mr Allott said:
The charity recognises that the vast majority of blue light workers are honest and law-abiding citizens and wishes to convey that it understands that these abuses are perpetrated by a very small minority of staff.
However, some victims are disenfranchised by the very services that are supposed to protect them, so they need the utmost support, and that is where the new charity sees its remit
The charity is developing its business plan and fundraising, so that it can go operational in January 2025.
The plan includes securing an office in the Harrogate area, setting up a telephone hotline and recruiting and training staff and volunteer members.
The charity defines blue light services as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, first responders and others employed by ambulance trusts, who are involved in attending 999 incidents.
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