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Ozkaya Özkaya KHS Whistleblowing Policy

Ozkaya Özkaya KHS Whistleblowing Policy guides best practice for our school community.

Safeguarding

Protects student wellbeing through consistent, caring practice.

Compliance

Aligns with legal and accreditation expectations for international schools.

Community

Guides staff, students, and families toward shared excellence.

01

Purpose

Ozkaya Özkaya KHS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

This Whistleblowing Policy provides a clear framework for staff members to raise concerns about wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical behavior within the school — without fear of retaliation.

The aim is to encourage a culture of honesty and openness, where staff feel supported to speak up in the best interest of the school community.

02

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, including:

  • Teaching and administrative staff
  • Support and maintenance staff
  • Contractors, consultants, and volunteers

It covers any activity within Ozkaya Özkaya KHS that could potentially amount to:

  • Fraud, corruption, or theft
  • Breach of legal or regulatory obligations
  • Health and safety violations
  • Discrimination, harassment, or bullying
  • Abuse or neglect of students
  • Misuse of school funds or property
  • Academic dishonesty or malpractice
  • Deliberate concealment of any wrongdoing
01

Good Faith and Integrity

  • Concerns should be raised in good faith and with reasonable belief that the information is true and constitutes wrongdoing.
03

Guiding Principles

3.1

Good Faith and Integrit

Concerns should be raised in good faith and with reasonable belief that the information is true and constitutes wrongdoing.

3.2

Confidentiality

All disclosures are treated as confidential. Identities are revealed only when the law requires it or when essential to progress an investigation.

3.3

Protection from Retaliation

Those who raise concerns in good faith are protected from dismissal, demotion, harassment, or any form of retaliation.

3.4

Fair Investigation

All concerns are investigated promptly, impartially, and transparently in line with safeguarding and employment standards.

3.5

Accountability & Transparency

Findings and outcomes are shared with relevant parties where appropriate, while maintaining confidentiality obligations.

04

Reporting Procedures

4.1

Internal Reporting

Concerns should first be reported to the immediate line manager or Head of Department, unless the individual is involved in the concern.

If the issue involves management or is of a serious nature, the concern may be raised directly with:

  • The School Principal, or
  • The Board Chair (if the concern involves the Principal).
4.2

Written Disclosure

A written statement should include:

  • The nature of the concern
  • Relevant background, details, and evidence
  • Names of individuals involved (if applicable)
  • Any prior attempts to address the issue
4.3

Investigation

Upon receipt, the concern will be reviewed and an investigation initiated by the Principal or a designated impartial investigator.

Investigations will be carried out promptly and objectively. The whistleblower may be contacted for clarification or further information.

4.4

Outcome & Follow-Up

Once the investigation concludes, the whistleblower will be informed (to the extent possible) of the outcome. Corrective or disciplinary action will be taken if misconduct is confirmed.

05

External Reporting

If a concern cannot be resolved internally, or if the whistleblower reasonably believes that internal reporting may result in cover-up or retaliation, the issue may be reported to appropriate external authorities, such as:

  • The Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB)
  • The Labour and Social Security authorities
  • Law enforcement or relevant regulatory agencies
06

Responsibilities

  • Employees: Must report genuine concerns about misconduct or malpractice.
  • Managers: Are responsible for creating an environment where staff feel safe to speak up.
  • Principal and Board: Must ensure the policy is implemented effectively, investigations are handled appropriately, and protections are upheld.
07

Protection and Confidentiality

The school will take all reasonable steps to protect the identity of the whistleblower.

Retaliation against a whistleblower will be treated as serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Malicious or false allegations made knowingly will also be subject to disciplinary action.

09

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually by the School Leadership and Board to ensure its effectiveness.
  • Updated to reflect any changes in Turkish law, international best practices, or school governance standards.
10

Commitment Statement

Ozkaya Özkaya KHS believes that integrity is the foundation of educational excellence.

We are committed to creating a transparent environment where concerns are addressed promptly and fairly — and where every member of our community can act with courage, trust, and professionalism.