Scope
This policy takes account of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which protects workers making disclosures about certain matters of concern, where those disclosures are made in accordance with the Act's provisions. The Act is incorporated into the Employment Rights Act 1996, which already protects employees who act, or raise concerns, about health and safety at work.
Introduction
Employees are often the first to realise that something may be seriously wrong within an organisation. However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or the organisation, or they may fear harassment or victimisation. Live 2 Help Recruitment wants to make sure that in these circumstances you do not simply ignore the issue. We are committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability, and we encourage anyone with serious concerns about any aspect of our work to come forward and voice those concerns without fear of reprisal.
This policy applies to both internal and external workers of Live 2 Help Recruitment. Its purpose is to encourage and enable people to raise serious concerns within the organisation, rather than overlooking a problem or "blowing the whistle" outside the organisation.
This policy covers concerns that fall outside the scope of other procedures. The concern may be about something that is unlawful, falls below the standards expected of Live 2 Help Recruitment, or amounts to improper conduct. We recognise that the decision to report a concern can be difficult, not least because of the fear of reprisal from those responsible for the malpractice.
How to raise a concern
Wherever possible, concerns should be raised with the Managing Director, who will investigate thoroughly and sympathetically. You will receive an acknowledgement within five working days and a written response at the end of the investigation. Concerns should be raised in writing to office@live2helprecruitment.co.uk and should include a short summary of the background and history of the concern, giving names, dates and places where possible, and the reasons why you are particularly concerned.
If the concern relates to the Managing Director, or you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may raise it with an independent adviser nominated by the company or with the relevant external body. At all times, a colleague or companion may accompany you during any discussion of the issues you have raised. While we aim for openness, confidentiality will be maintained throughout.
What happens next
Depending on the nature of the concern, Live 2 Help Recruitment will try to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. In some circumstances it may need to be referred to a higher authority, in which case it will take longer to resolve. Once you have reported a concern, you will be told how we propose to deal with it and, where possible, how long it will take to give a final response.
If, after reporting a concern and receiving feedback, you are still not satisfied, you are entitled to report it to a relevant external body, known as a prescribed person. Free, confidential advice is available from the charity Protect at protect-advice.org.uk.
The terms of this policy do not affect your statutory rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.