The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who raise concerns from victimisation or harassment.
In accordance with that Act and its commitment to the highest standards of service delivery, the company encourages its workers with serious concerns about any aspect of the company’s work to come forward and voice those concerns, in confidence, within the company rather than overlooking a problem or “blowing the whistle” outside the business.
“Bayleaf is committed to the highest possible standard of operation, probity and accountability. We recognise that our staff are often the first to realise that there may be something wrong within the company. However, they may not express their concerns because they feel that speaking up would be disloyal to their colleagues or to the company and they may also fear harassment or victimisation. This policy should allay those fears.”
Bayleaf takes all malpractice very seriously, whether it is committed by an employee, supplier, competitor or contractor.
This policy statement applies to all permanent and temporary employees, agents and contractors.
It is intended to complement statutory protection and, for the avoidance of doubt, statutory rights will not be affected in any way by this policy.
The following examples demonstrate what we mean by serious malpractice:
• Fraud, corruption, bribery or other malpractice which could lead to a financial loss to the company;
• Criminal offences, eg. theft, drug taking;
• Breaches relating to the accuracy or integrity of the company’s financial statements;
• Failure to comply with legal obligations;
• Actions which are intended to conceal any of the above.
If you become aware of any such activities or other possible malpractices, you are encouraged to follow the relevant procedures.
It will not always be clear that a particular action falls within one of these categories and you will need to use your own judgement. However, if you believe the matter to be serious, we would prefer you to report your concerns rather than keep them to yourself.
Peter Clements
Director
June 2020
