Whistleblowing at Zero Waste Scotland

We take malpractice seriously and any suspected wrongdoing should be reported as soon as possible. 

We recognise that colleagues, partners, and contractors may sometimes have concerns about wrongdoing within our organisation. Whistleblowing is a vital process that allows such concerns to be raised safely and responsibly.

Whistleblowing is the reporting of suspected wrongdoing or dangers in relation to our activities. This includes concerns about:

• Financial malpractice, impropriety or fraud
• Failure to comply with a legal obligation
• Published reports or reports to the Board that knowingly include materially false information
• Criminal activity
• Improper conduct or unethical behaviour
• Improper use of authority
• Undeclared conflict of interest
• Serious breach of health and safety or environmental regulations
• Suppression or concealment of any of the above  

These concerns must be raised about business practices in the public interest and not solely for personal grievances.
 

Anyone can raise a whistleblowing concern, including: 

• Current and former employees
• Contractors and agency workers

If you require any reasonable adjustments to raise a concern (e.g., large print, audio format), please let us know and we will accommodate your needs.

You can raise a concern confidentially through the following channels: 

Email: whistleblowing@zerowastescotland.org.uk 

Post: Governance and Compliance Team, Zero Waste Scotland, Moray House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ 

Please provide as much detail as possible, including: 

• The nature of the concern
• How you became aware of the wrongdoing
• When and where it occurred
• Any documents or supporting evidence
• Whether you wish to remain anonymous

We will acknowledge your concern within 7 working days.

An initial assessment will determine whether the concern qualifies under whistleblowing legislation.

If appropriate, a full investigation will be conducted.

You will be informed of the outcome, where possible, while maintaining confidentiality.

We aim to provide a final response within 30 working days, where possible. If more time is needed, we will keep you informed.

Zero Waste Scotland aims to encourage openness and will support whistleblowers who raise genuine concerns under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.  Whistleblowers must not suffer any detrimental treatment as a result of raising a genuine concern. 

Confidentiality  

We hope that you will feel able to voice Whistleblowing concerns openly under this policy. Completely anonymous disclosures are difficult to investigate. If you want to raise your concern confidentially, we will make every effort to keep your identity secret and only reveal it where necessary to those involved in investigating your concern. 

An example of this would be when an investigator requires further clarification on the reported wrongdoing. Without this clarification it would be difficult if they cannot identify and talk the individual who reported it.

Please be aware that in some cases, the nature of the concern or wrongdoing may make it possible for others to deduce your identity. We will never disclose your identity without your explicit consent.

External Disclosures

The aim of this policy is to provide a mechanism for reporting whistleblowing, investigating and remedying any wrongdoing in the workplace. The law recognises that in some circumstances it may be appropriate for you to report your concerns to an external body such as a regulator. We strongly encourage you to seek advice before reporting a concern to anyone external.

Protect operates a confidential helpline. If you're unsure whether or how to raise a concern, you can contact Protect for free, independent and confidential advice: https://protect-advice.org.uk/