Suspended from work, the day after whistleblowing to Ofsted

[Barnacle]

Hello!

I am seeking advice on what action I can take in my current situation.

I have been employed at the business for 7 months. The regulator came to carry out an inspection of the business, including an interview with me. I was able to use the whistleblowing policy to share some concerns I had about the business.

I returned to work the next day, to be told I have been suspended due to my conduct. They were not able to elaborate on a timescale or a particular reason for my suspension.

What should I do?

[ULA]

Suspension is normally used whilst an allegation of gross misconduct is being investigated but not established and from which a decision is made as to whether to carry out disciplinary action or not. The correct procedure should be that at the time of your suspension or very soon after you should receive written confirmation that you had been suspended that includes:

· the reasons for the suspension and how long it is expected to last
· your rights and obligations during the suspension. For example, that you should be contactable during normal working hours
· a point of contact (such as a manager or HR) and their contact details for you during the suspension
· that the purpose of suspension is to investigate and is not an assumption of guilt
· remaining on full pay unless your contract of employment says otherwise in the event of you being suspended.

That aside your actions from what you have said where done under the "whistleblowing" policy. Is there such a policy in place in your school and what does it say about the school's responsibility to the whistle-blower i.e. you in this case? You need to be aware that if the school were to dismiss you and despite you having less than two years service, if it was due to your whistleblowing and if the disclosure was deemed to be in the public interest, then there is the potential for it to be an unfair dismissal.