Whistleblowing Policy

We are committed to maintaining a workplace culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and confident in raising concerns about possible wrongdoing. Creating an environment built on trust, fairness, and accountability is an important part of ensuring that employees, partners, suppliers, and other individuals connected to our organization can speak up when they believe something may be inappropriate, unlawful, or unethical.

Whistleblowing refers to the process of reporting serious concerns about activities that may involve misconduct, legal violations, unethical behavior, or actions that could negatively affect people, the environment, or the integrity of the organization. Individuals who report genuine concerns are helping to identify potential problems and support a safer, more responsible working environment.

This reporting process is separate from personal workplace complaints such as individual disputes, harassment concerns, discrimination issues, or concerns about personal treatment. These matters should be raised through the appropriate internal support channels. Whistleblowing focuses specifically on reporting serious misconduct or practices that may require investigation and corrective action.

Examples of concerns that may be considered misconduct include criminal activity, violations of legal responsibilities, corruption, bribery, financial wrongdoing, misuse of company resources, fraudulent activity, environmental harm, unsafe working conditions, risks to employees or the public, modern slavery, or attempts to hide or cover up improper actions.

Concerns may also include activities that do not follow established ethical standards, responsible business practices, or internal policies. Any behavior that creates a risk of serious harm or prevents the organization from meeting its legal and ethical responsibilities should be reported through the appropriate channels.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and secure method for reporting concerns, allowing possible misconduct to be reviewed, investigated, and addressed. Reports can be made regarding events that have already happened, situations that are currently occurring, or concerns about actions that may happen in the future.

This policy applies to employees across all locations and roles, regardless of contract type, length of service, or position. It also extends to individuals who have a business connection with the organization, including contractors, suppliers, agency workers, volunteers, partners, and other external parties who may become aware of potential misconduct.

To encourage safe and confidential reporting, an independent reporting service is available to receive concerns. This service provides secure communication options and allows individuals to share information in confidence. Reports can be submitted through an online reporting platform or through available regional reporting channels.

Individuals may choose to remain anonymous when submitting a report. While anonymous reporting is supported, providing identifying information may sometimes help with a more complete investigation. Any personal details shared during the process will be handled carefully and only used where necessary for reviewing the concern.

After a report has been received, confirmation of receipt will be provided within an appropriate timeframe. The information will then be reviewed to determine whether it qualifies as a protected whistleblowing concern under this policy. If further investigation is required, the appropriate teams will examine the details and gather relevant information.

Investigations may involve discussions with individuals who submitted the report, people connected to the concern, and others who may provide useful information. Anyone involved in the process is expected to respect confidentiality and protect the information shared during the investigation.

Updates regarding the progress of an investigation will be provided when appropriate. Due to privacy and confidentiality requirements, some details may not be shared, but individuals who raise concerns will receive relevant updates about the progress and outcome of the review where possible.

We understand that people may worry about possible negative consequences when reporting concerns. Individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith are protected from unfair treatment, retaliation, threats, dismissal, disciplinary action, or other negative consequences connected to making a report.

Retaliation against anyone who reports concerns is not acceptable. Any individual found to have attempted to intimidate, punish, or disadvantage a whistleblower may face appropriate action. Everyone involved in the reporting process is expected to act responsibly and respect the rights of others.

Confidentiality is a key part of the reporting process. Information provided through a report will be handled sensitively and shared only with individuals who need access for investigation purposes. If someone requests anonymity, reasonable steps will be taken to protect their identity. Disclosure of personal information without permission will only occur where legally required.

During the investigation process, limited personal information may be collected when necessary. This information may include details relevant to the report, such as department, location, role, or information related to the concern. Data will be stored securely, accessed only by authorized individuals, and retained only for as long as necessary.

Providing accurate information is important. Reports should be made honestly and responsibly. Deliberately submitting false information, making malicious claims, or using the reporting process for personal benefit may result in appropriate action.

Failure to follow this policy without valid reason may lead to consequences for employees or may affect business relationships with external parties. The organization reserves the right to update this policy when necessary to reflect changes in legal requirements, business practices, or reporting standards.

We encourage anyone who identifies potential misconduct to speak up. Reporting concerns helps protect individuals, maintain ethical standards, and support a workplace where integrity and responsibility are valued.

For questions, additional information, or assistance with submitting a concern, please contact our support team at [email protected].