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Written question asked by Samantha Niblett (Labour) on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026 (named day). It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Academies: Disclosure of Information

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether multiple whistleblowing disclosures relating to the same academy trust are routinely (a) cross-referenced and (b) reviewed collectively by her Department; what (i) thresholds and (ii) criteria are used to trigger further scrutiny, investigation and intervention in response to such disclosure; how safeguarding-related whistleblowing concerns within academy trusts are monitored and assessed at a national level; and what steps her Department takes to ensure appropriate oversight, transparency and accountability in cases where concerns involve senior leadership within academy trusts.

Answer

The department reviews each whistleblowing disclosure about academy trusts individually and assigns it to teams with relevant expertise. Related disclosures about the same trust are cross‑referenced, and systems track previous cases. A single regional team usually leads, based on the trust’s headquarters, with specialist input where needed to maintain a full understanding of the trust context.

Where there is evidence of non‑compliance with legal requirements, particularly the Academy Trust Handbook, action is taken. This includes addressing repeated issues or governance failures, including safeguarding and financial concerns. Extra scrutiny applies to trusts recently subject to intervention, and unusually high case volumes relative to trust size may trigger further review.

Actions aim to secure compliance with regulations, funding agreements, and statutory guidance. Breaches can lead to intervention, such as a published Notice to Improve with required actions and deadlines. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education may also direct trusts to remedy breaches or bar unsuitable individuals from management roles.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2584
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Children Disclosure of information Protection Academies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk