Child protection whistleblowing helpline set to go live

Workers who fear their organisation is failing in their child protection duties will be able to report their concerns to a new whistleblowing service.

The helpline, run by the NSPCC on behalf of the Home Office, officially launches today, but goes live on Monday.

It is aimed at staff in any sector who are afraid to raise concerns about the way their organisation is dealing with child abuse cases, or who feel they have exhausted all avenues with their employer.

Any concerns raised will be passed on to relevant investigatory bodies to pursue and those calling will be given legal protection from future discrimination.

The government has provided half a million pounds for the project.

Karen Bradley, the minister for preventing abuse, exploitation and crime, launched the helpline, calling it a "vital" service.

"Some employers are making great strides in strengthening whistleblowing processes," she said.

"But more can be done to encourage employees to report malpractice without fear of victimisation - particularly in relation to children where the cost of failure is so high."

The new service will also be used to look at trends and highlight patterns of failure across the country.

John Cameron, the NSPCC's head of helplines, said the helpline would "make a real difference to children's lives across England".

The helpline will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, with an answering service operating at weekends.