Why this matters
We want people to speak up when something is wrong, early and without fear. Our values ask us to say the unwelcome thing; this policy makes sure it is safe to.
Who can use it
Employees, directors, associates, subcontractors, agency workers, client staff working alongside us, and suppliers.
What to report
Concerns in the public interest about wrongdoing connected with Rothian or our work, including:
- criminal offences, including fraud, bribery and corruption;
- failure to meet a legal or regulatory obligation;
- dangers to health and safety;
- damage to the environment;
- modern slavery or human trafficking in our operations or supply chain;
- serious data protection or security breaches that are being concealed;
- unsafe or unethical use of AI; and
- any attempt to cover up any of the above.
Personal grievances about your own employment or contract are normally dealt with under the grievance process instead, unless they involve a wider public interest.
How to raise a concern
- Internally. Tell a director, in person or in writing. If the concern involves a director, raise it with another director.
- By email. Write to info@rothian.com with "Confidential — whistleblowing" in the subject line. Only directors can access these messages.
- Anonymously. You may raise a concern anonymously. We will take it seriously, although it can be harder to investigate without being able to ask you questions.
You do not need proof, only a reasonable belief that wrongdoing has happened or is likely to happen.
What we will do
- Acknowledge your concern within 5 working days.
- Keep your identity confidential, sharing it only with those who need to know to investigate, unless the law requires otherwise.
- Investigate promptly and fairly, with someone independent of the matter.
- Tell you the outcome as far as we can, bearing in mind the confidentiality of others.
Protection
No one will suffer any detriment — dismissal, termination of contract, loss of work or poor treatment — for raising a genuine concern, even if it turns out to be mistaken. Anyone who victimises a whistleblower will face disciplinary action or termination. Workers are also protected by law under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Deliberately making a false report is itself misconduct.
External routes
We hope you will raise concerns with us first, but you can contact a prescribed person or regulator, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office, HM Revenue & Customs or the Serious Fraud Office. The charity Protect offers free, confidential advice on whistleblowing.
Review
A director is responsible for this policy and reviews it at least annually.