WHISTLEBLOWING PROCEDURE

In the first instance, the matter should be discussed with the employee’s line manager if appropriate. This informal approach will be treated as completely confidential within JTL. The line manager will then conduct an initial investigation and will inform their Director whether the matter requires further investigation. This approach may not be appropriate in more serious circumstances or in situations where the line manager themselves may be implicated. In this situation, employees should feel able to initially raise their concern with a more senior member of management including the Chair of the Board of Trustees if the matter concerns the Chief Executive.  Following this, if the matter requires further investigation, this will be conducted by an employee appointed by the relevant Director in each case. The employee will be informed of the outcome of the investigation and what action, if any, has been taken.

If the employee is unhappy at any stage regarding the speed or conduct of the investigation or the way in which the matter has been resolved, then they should refer the matter to the Chief Executive/Chairperson.

Employees are advised to document all concerns in writing and try as be as accurate as possible when recounting details such as dates, times and locations. 

JTL undertakes that no employee who makes a bona fide report under this procedure will be subjected to any detriment as a result, in accordance with section 47b of the Employment Rights Act 1996. In the event that the employee believes they/she is being subjected to a detriment by any person within JTL as a result of their decision to invoke the procedure the assisting person (line manager/Director) must be informed immediately and appropriate action will be taken to protect the employee from any reprisals.

If it should become clear that the procedure has not been invoked in good faith, for example malicious reasons or to pursue a personal grudge against another employee, this will constitute misconduct and will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of JTL’s disciplinary procedure.

JTL recognises that there may be matters that cannot be dealt with internally and that external authorities will need to become involved. Where this is necessary, JTL reserves the right to make such a referral without the employee’s consent.

First Stage – “Blowing the whistle”

  • Discuss matter with line manager, or
  • Another appropriate manager, or
  • Your line manager’s manager, or
  • Another company manager as appropriate, or
  • The chair of JTL’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
  • Manager / Trustee will then undertake investigation

Second Stage –Further Investigation

  • Director / Chair (a position above the initial report) appoints a designated officer to conduct further investigation, if this is
    required

Third Stage –Outcome

  • Employee informed of the outcome, and any action taken

If employee not happy with the conduct or manner of investigation, the option exists to refer to the Chief Executive for review.

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