Whistleblowing Policy

(Reviewed on 20 Sept 2023 by the Operations Manager)

Fares4Free encourages an environment where anyone can raise concerns about safety or malpractice

The procedures for raising and handling whistleblowing concerns are detailed in the Scottish Charity Regulator OSCR's Whistleblowing Section of their website.

The Standards are underpinned by legislation and the Whistleblowing Policy for Fares4Free can be seen below:

Fares4Free Whistleblowing policy

1. ABOUT THIS POLICY

1.1 We are committed to conducting our business with honesty and integrity and we expect all staff to maintain high standards. Any suspected wrongdoing should be reported as soon as possible.

1.2 This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment and we may amend it at any time.

2. WHISTLEBLOWING AND RAISING CONCERNS

2.1 Whistleblowing is the reporting of suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This may include bribery, fraud or other criminal activity, miscarriages of justice, health and safety risks, damage to the environment and any breach of legal or professional obligations.

2.2 We hope that in many cases you will be able to raise such concerns with your line manager. However, where you prefer not to raise it with your line manager for any reason, you should contact the Chief Executive Officer.

2.3 We will arrange a meeting with you as soon as possible to discuss your concern. You may bring a colleague or union representative to any meetings under this policy. Your companion must respect the confidentiality of your disclosure and any subsequent investigation.

3. PROTECTION AND SUPPORT FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS

3.1 We aim to encourage openness and will support whistleblowers who raise genuine concerns under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.

3.2 Whistleblowers must not suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of raising a genuine concern.

3.3 You must not threaten or retaliate against whistleblowers in any way. If you are involved in such conduct you may be subject to disciplinary action.

3.4 However, if we conclude that a whistleblower has made false allegations maliciously or with a view to personal gain, the whistleblower may be subject to disciplinary action

Other ways to raise a concern...

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

HSE is the regulator for health and safety at work in Great Britain. HSE leads the health and safety system and, in partnership with local authority co-regulators, secures compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 .

HSE’s aim is to prevent death, injury and ill health to those at work and those affected by work activities. If your concern is about health and safety issues at work, you can raise your concern directly with HSE.

HSE can be contacted on 0300 003 1647.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive website. 

Fares4Free Whistleblowing contacts

Our Designated Whistleblowing champion is Marie Crombie, CEO of Fares4Free. You can contact Marie confidentially on 07821 664 771 or at marie.crombie@fares4free.org .

Alternatively, you can also contact us confidentially and securely via:

• 07821 679 647 (Leon Fisher, Fares4Free Operations Manager)
• leon@fares4free.org