Whistleblowing & Protected Disclosures Policy
Statutory protections under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 ensuring safe, confidential, and protected mechanisms for reporting ethical concerns or regulatory non-compliance.
1. Purpose & Qualifying Disclosures
Mtengwa Strategic Advisory is committed to conducting business with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This policy provides a secure channel for staff, contractors, clients, and partners to disclose wrongdoing without fear of victimisation or detriment.
A "Qualifying Disclosure" under Section 43B of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (as amended by PIDA 1998) includes information relating to:
- Criminal offences, financial irregularities, fraud, or bribery.
- Failure to comply with statutory legal obligations (including UK GDPR and Bribery Act).
- Miscarriages of justice or concealment of regulatory infractions.
- Endangerment of health, safety, or modern slavery violations.
2. Absolute Non-Retaliation Guarantee
Mtengwa Strategic Advisory provides an unconditional guarantee that no individual who raises a genuine public interest concern in good faith will suffer any detriment, discrimination, disciplinary penalty, or professional disadvantage as a result of their disclosure.
Any act of retaliation or victimisation against a whistleblower is treated as gross misconduct subject to immediate termination of contractual relations and referral to legal authorities.
3. Confidential & Anonymous Reporting Channels
Disclosures may be submitted with identity withheld or confidentially through the following independent channels:
4. Investigation Workflow & Communication
Upon receipt of a disclosure:
- Acknowledgement: Receipt will be acknowledged in writing within 3 business days (where contact information is provided).
- Independent Assessment: An initial preliminary scoping will determine whether a full formal investigation is warranted.
- Written Findings: The reporting individual will receive a formal written summary of findings and remedial actions taken within 28 days, subject to confidentiality constraints.
