Whistleblowing Policy.

Whistleblowing refers to the disclosure of information about suspected wrongdoing, malpractice or serious concerns in the public interest. Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, individuals who make protected disclosures in good faith are entitled to legal protection from detriment or dismissal.

Examples of concerns that might be raised under this policy include:

• Financial irregularities, fraud or misuse of charitable funds
• Serious breaches of legal or regulatory obligations
• Actions that endanger the health or safety of individuals
• Damage to the environment
• A deliberate cover-up of any of the above
• Serious breaches of the Trust's policies or Code of Conduct

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors and partner organisations working with or on behalf of South Asian Heritage Trust. It also covers former trustees and employees who wish to raise concerns about matters that occurred during their time with the Trust.

Concerns should in the first instance be raised with the Chief Officer of South Asian Heritage Trust. The concern may be raised verbally or in writing. Where possible, you should provide as much detail as you are able, including relevant dates, individuals involved and the nature of the concern.

Where the concern relates to the Chief Officer, it should be raised directly and confidentially with the Chair of the Trustee Board.

Where the concern relates to both the Chief Officer and the Chair, or where you feel that internal reporting is not appropriate, you may raise the matter directly with the Charity Commission for England and Wales at gov.uk/complain-about-charity.

All disclosures will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The identity of the person raising a concern will be protected as far as possible. However, we cannot guarantee complete anonymity in all circumstances, particularly where a concern leads to a formal investigation.

Anonymous concerns can be raised, but it may be more difficult for the Trust to investigate effectively without the ability to seek further information. We encourage individuals to provide their details wherever possible.

South Asian Heritage Trust is committed to ensuring that anyone who raises a concern in good faith under this policy is protected from any form of retaliation, detriment or victimisation. This applies whether or not the concern is ultimately substantiated, provided it was raised honestly and in good faith.

Any individual found to have subjected a whistleblower to retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action.

Upon receiving a disclosure, the Chief Officer or Chair will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the concern promptly
• Assess the nature of the concern and determine appropriate next steps
• Conduct or commission an investigation where appropriate
• Keep the person who raised the concern informed of progress, subject to confidentiality requirements
• Take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation
• Report serious matters to the Trustee Board and to relevant regulatory bodies where required

This policy is intended to support genuine and good faith disclosures. Any individual who makes a disclosure that is knowingly false, malicious or vexatious may be subject to disciplinary action. This does not affect the protection afforded to individuals who raise genuine concerns in good faith.