**Whistleblowing Policy for HSS Group Ltd**
**Effective Date:** February 7, 2025
**Purpose**
HSS Group Ltd is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework for employees, contractors, and stakeholders to report concerns about unethical, illegal, or unsafe practices within the organization without fear of retaliation.
**Scope**
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders of HSS Group Ltd, covering all activities and operations within the organization.
**1. Objectives**
- **Encourage Reporting:** Foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to report concerns about misconduct or malpractice.
- **Protect Whistleblowers:** Ensure that individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation or victimization.
- **Address Concerns:** Provide a clear process for investigating and addressing reported concerns effectively and confidentially.
**2. Definition of Whistleblowing**
Whistleblowing involves the disclosure of information by an individual concerning wrongdoing, such as:
- **Illegal Activities:** Fraud, corruption, theft, or any other criminal activities.
- **Health and Safety Risks:** Practices that pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals.
- **Environmental Damage:** Actions that harm the environment.
- **Violation of Company Policies:** Breaches of company policies or codes of conduct.
- **Cover-Ups:** Attempts to conceal any of the above activities.
**3. Reporting Procedure**
- **Internal Reporting:** Employees are encouraged to report concerns to their immediate supervisor or manager. If this is not appropriate, they can contact the designated Whistleblowing Officer.
- **Whistleblowing Officer:** [Insert Name and Contact Information] is the appointed Whistleblowing Officer responsible for handling reports confidentially and impartially.
- **Confidentiality:** All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. The identity of the whistleblower will be protected, and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
**4. Investigation Process**
- **Acknowledgment:** Upon receiving a report, the Whistleblowing Officer will acknowledge receipt within [insert timeframe, e.g., 5 business days].
- **Investigation:** A thorough investigation will be conducted to assess the validity of the concerns. This may involve interviews, document reviews, and consultations with relevant parties.
- **Outcome and Actions:** The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome of the investigation. Appropriate actions will be taken to address substantiated concerns, which may include disciplinary measures, policy changes, or legal action.
**5. Protection Against Retaliation**
- **Non-Retaliation:** HSS Group Ltd strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith. Any act of retaliation will result in disciplinary action.
- **Support for Whistleblowers:** Whistleblowers will have access to support services, including counseling and legal advice if necessary.
**6. External Reporting**
If internal reporting channels are exhausted or deemed inappropriate, individuals may report concerns to external authorities, such as regulatory bodies or law enforcement agencies, in accordance with legal requirements.
**7. Monitoring and Review**
- **Policy Review:** This policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with legal requirements and best practices.
- **Feedback and Improvement:** Feedback from employees and stakeholders will be used to improve the policy and reporting procedures.
**8. Legal Compliance**
HSS Group Ltd is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations related to whistleblowing, including the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
**Contact Information**
For questions, concerns, or to report a whistleblowing matter, please contact:
Whistleblowing Officer: Ryan Hughes
Email: ryan@hsservices.co.uk
Phone: 03303320091 option 4
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