Speak Up Policy
We are committed to conducting our business with honesty and integrity, and we expect all staff to maintain high standards.
Last Updated: March 2026
1. Purpose & Legal Basis
This policy is designed to encourage employees and partners to report suspected wrongdoing as soon as possible, in the knowledge that their concerns will be taken seriously and investigated as appropriate, and that their confidentiality will be respected.
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA)
This policy complies with the UK PIDA 1998, which provides legal protection to workers who disclose information in the public interest.
2. What Can Be Reported? (Qualifying Disclosures)
You should report any information that tends to show one or more of the following has occurred, is occurring, or is likely to occur:
- Criminal Offences: E.g., fraud, bribery, theft, or money laundering.
- Security Breaches: Deliberate mishandling of customer data or ignoring GDPR protocols.
- Health & Safety: Danger to the health and safety of any individual.
- Environmental Damage: E.g., improper disposal of hazardous electronic waste.
- Cover-ups: Deliberate concealment of any of the above.
3. Protection from Retaliation
We understand that raising a concern can be difficult. We want to reassure you that you will not suffer any detriment for raising a genuine concern.
Our Guarantee:
If you report a concern in good faith, you will not be at risk of losing your job, missing out on promotion, or suffering any form of harassment. FORESTER CREDO LIMITED has a zero-tolerance approach to victimization of whistleblowers.
4. How to Raise a Concern
We hope that in many cases you will be able to raise any concerns with your line manager. However, where you prefer not to do so, you can contact:
Anonymous Reporting
You may send a letter marked "Strictly Private & Confidential" to our registered office address in London.
5. Investigation Process
Once you have raised a concern, we will carry out an initial assessment to determine the scope of any investigation.
- We will acknowledge receipt of your report within 7 days.
- We may invite you to a meeting to discuss your concern (you may bring a colleague or union rep).
- We will aim to keep you informed of the progress of the investigation and its likely timescale.
6. External Regulators
Ideally, you should raise concerns internally first. However, if you feel we have not addressed your concern, UK law recognizes that you may raise it with the appropriate regulator:
- Data Protection: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- Finance/Fraud: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- Health & Safety: Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
7. False or Malicious Allegations
While we protect those who report in good faith, providing false information knowingly or maliciously (e.g., to damage a colleague's reputation) is a disciplinary offence and may result in dismissal.