whistleblowing

Tell us about wrongdoing, risk or malpractice related to our service that you have witnessed anonymously.

What is whistleblowing?

‘Whistleblowing’ is when an individual passes on information about wrongdoing, unethical practices, or unsafe actions they have witnessed or experienced—often, though not exclusively, in the workplace.

If you are concerned that disclosing this information might lead to penalties, retaliation, or dismissal, whistleblowing provisions may offer you protection.

For a disclosure to be protected, the wrongdoing reported should be in the public interest; in other words, it should affect others beyond just your personal situation. You can raise your concern at any time about an incident that occurred in the past, is happening now, or is likely to happen in the near future.

Who is protected by law?

The whistleblowing provisions protect any individual who makes a protected disclosure from being dismissed or penalised by their employer as a result of the disclosure.

The term ‘individual’ is broadly defined and applies to anyone working under a contractual arrangement with HG Group. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Employees

  • Home-based workers

  • Casual, temporary, or agency workers

  • Contractors and those working through personal service companies

  • Participants in training programs or work experience initiatives

Protection may not extend to self-employed individuals or those in specific roles not covered by these provisions. If you are unsure whether you are protected, it is advisable to seek independent advice.

You should get independent advice if you are not sure if you are protected. Protect are an independent whistleblowing charity who can offer confidential advice about whistleblowing. Please visit the link below or contacting their free helpline on 020 3117 2520.

What complaints are considered whistleblowing?

For a disclosure to be protected, the complaint must meet certain criteria. Generally, the individual must reasonably believe that the reported activity involves:

  • A criminal offence; or

  • A breach of a legal obligation.

A disclosure will not qualify if the individual commits an offence by making it or if the information is subject to legal professional privilege (or similar confidentiality requirements). Additionally, if you report your concerns to the media, in most cases, you may lose the protection of the whistleblowing provisions.

Submit a whistleblowing report

If you believe your complaint falls within the whistleblowing provisions, please use our online service to report your concerns.