Whistleblowing - Speak Out Service
HR Associate provides independent, confidential, and professional whistleblower services to New Zealand businesses. HR Associate’s whistleblower service is called Speak Out.
Please contact Karyn McDonald, General Manager to register for this service.
FAQs
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is a term used when a person passes on information about serious wrongdoings in organisations. In New Zealand, the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 can protect those who report, and who provide supporting information, about these wrongdoings.
What is the Speak Out service?
If your business is registered for HR Associate’s Speak Out service, people connected to your business can anonymously report wrongdoings in a safe, confidential way. This allows your business to take action and reduce potential financial and/or reputational damage, and/or keep people safe.
What sort of wrongdoings are reported to the Speak Out service?
Serious workplace issues such as:
Theft
Fraud
Money laundering/financial irregularities
Bribery/corruption (covering up wrongdoings)
Misuse of public funds or resources
Serious and unsafe work practices/conduct which poses serious risk to public health or safety, the workplace, or the environment
Concerns of a serious risk to the health safety and wellbeing of any individual (which may include bullying, sexual harassment, and/or sexual harm)
Criminal activity or conduct.
Issues that would generally not be reported to the Speak Out service include things like: work-related grievances, interpersonal conflict, and decisions about employment, such as promotions or salary increases (unless they relate to an issue(s) bullet pointed above).
Why would our business use a Speak Out service?
Illegal, inappropriate, and/or unsafe work practices can cause damage to businesses and people when left unnoticed or unreported. Additionally, there is an increasing expectation on businesses to provide a safe and independent way for people to expose sensitive issues in a confidential way. Having an independent whistleblower process in place provides confidence that people are working with a business who take these situations seriously, and who are committed to protecting those who raise concerns.
Why choose HR Associate's Speak Out service?
HR Associate is a professional, independent company, who specialise in dealing with workplace issues. HR Associate is licensed under the Ministry of Justice Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, so there can be confidence that we have the skills to deal with situations appropriately.
Why can’t people just tell the business about these things?
People can often feel it’s easier to say nothing or to leave a business, rather than raise a concern, for fear of possible consequences, not knowing who to speak to (particularly if the wrongdoing is by someone senior), or not wanting to ‘rock the boat’. This can lead to the situation possibly continuing, while the business loses great people, and company culture, reputation, and the bottom line can suffer.
Why is the Speak Out service anonymous?
Being anonymous provides a safe way for people to feel like they can speak up. While HR Associate may know the identity of the person(s) who speak out, this is generally not shared with the business. People may be protected by the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, when they report serious wrongdoing in the workplace that they reasonably believe is true, or likely to be true.
Won’t this Speak Out service cause more issues?
People are unlikely to contact a whistleblower service unless they have a genuine concern. The ability to deal with a potential or actual serious wrongdoing can often reduce issues before they become worse.
What if people are worried about information being reported externally our business?
The Speak Out service is completely confidential. As HR professionals, you can be confident that we understand the importance of ensuring information is handled professionally and in confidence.
If there is a serious wrongdoing raised about our business which is illegal, will the Speak Out service report this to the authorities?
It’s unlikely that the Speak Out service would report illegal matters to the authorities. If the reported issue relates to serious illegal activity, at any stage or after it has been investigated and if it is determined that the report was genuine, the business concerned may escalate the matter to an appropriate authority outside the workplace. Those raising a serious wrongdoing can also contact the appropriate authorities at any time.
Who can report concerns to the Speak Out service about our business?
Those associated with your business may report wrongdoings, including staff members, former employees, contractors, or volunteers. Suppliers, clients, or customers may lodge a complaint directly with the business.
How can people contact the Speak Out service to report wrongdoings?
There are dedicated email and phone options available. This information is provided to businesses once they register for the Speak Out service.
How will we find out if someone has reported something to the Speak Out service about our business?
If a concern has been raised, the Speak Out team prepares a report and provides it to the appropriate person(s) in your business for review.
What do we do if a concern is raised with the Speak Out service about our business?
This will depend on the information raised. Should you require further support, HR Associate is certified to carry out independent and professional workplace investigations, however, businesses can determine next steps, and who will manage this.
What is the length of time we have to commit to HR Associate’s Speak Out service?
The Speak Out service is available on an annual payment basis.
What does the Speak Out service cost?
The Speak Out service is cost effective, enabling all businesses to have access:
An annual fee applies to access this service.
A one-off set up fee includes a package for your business to get started and have the required documentation in place (including a Speak Out Policy for your business).
Completion of work relating to the Speak Out service (i.e. taking calls, follow up questions, compiling a report) is charged at our standard hourly rate.
Specific cost details are available by contacting Karyn McDonald, General Manager.
What if I have more questions, or if I want to register for the Speak Out service?
Please contact Karyn McDonald, General Manager.