At Braier Group, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We encourage anyone connected to our organisation – including employees, freelancers, suppliers and partners – to speak up if they witness or suspect wrongdoing.
This policy outlines how you can report concerns confidentially and what you can expect from us in response.
1. What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when someone raises a concern about suspected wrongdoing that is in the public interest. This may include:
- Criminal activity or breaches of the law
- Fraud or financial misconduct
- Bribery or corruption
- Health and safety risks
- Environmental damage
- Modern slavery or unethical labour practices
- Breaches of our company policies or regulatory obligations
Personal grievances (such as bullying or harassment) should usually be reported through our internal complaints or HR procedures unless they involve a wider risk.
2. Who Can Raise a Concern?
We welcome concerns from:
- Employees and contractors
- Suppliers, clients and third-party partners
- Any member of the public who interacts with our business
You do not need to have proof of wrongdoing – a genuine, reasonable belief is enough.
3. How to Raise a Concern
You can raise your concern by contacting:
Email: ethics@braier-group.com
Subject line: Whistleblowing Report – Confidential
We treat all disclosures seriously and confidentially. If you wish, you may report anonymously, although this may limit our ability to follow up effectively.
4. What Happens Next?
- Your concern will be acknowledged within five working days
- It will be reviewed by a senior member of the leadership team or an independent third party, if appropriate
- We may ask for further information to assist the investigation
- Where possible, we will update you on the outcome, although some details may remain confidential for legal reasons
We are committed to handling all reports fairly, discreetly and without bias.
5. Protection from Retaliation
Braier Group will never tolerate retaliation or victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith. You will not be treated unfairly, lose your job, or be penalised for doing the right thing.
Any retaliation will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
6. External Reporting
If you are not comfortable reporting directly to us, or are unsatisfied with our response, you may also report certain concerns to appropriate external bodies such as:
- The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- HMRC
- The Charity Commission
- Public Concern at Work (Protect) – a UK whistleblowing charity
7. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure it remains current and effective.