Whistleblowing Policy

1. Introduction

Ashley Cleaning Services Limited (“the Company”) is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, honesty, and accountability. This whistleblowing policy provides a safe and confidential way for employees, contractors, and stakeholders to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing within the Company. The policy encourages early reporting and ensures concerns are properly investigated.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency staff, and other stakeholders. Concerns that can be raised include but are not limited to:

• Health and safety breaches

• Financial irregularities or fraud

• Discrimination, harassment, or bullying

• Environmental harm

• Breaches of laws, regulations, or Company policies

• Unethical or unlawful behaviour

3. What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing involves reporting concerns about suspected wrongdoing or malpractice in the workplace. Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), protected disclosures made in good faith are legally safeguarded. Examples include:

• Unsafe working conditions

• Fraud or theft

• Discrimination or harassment linked to protected characteristics

• Environmental violations

• Breaches of legal or professional standards

4. Reporting Concerns

You can raise concerns through the following channels:

• Designated Whistleblowing Officer (DWO): Craig Sorrell (craig@cleanedbyashley.com)

• Anonymous Hotline: 0800 0234058

• Online Form: Contact the DWO for access instructions

The Company encourages you to provide your identity when reporting concerns to allow a thorough investigation, but anonymous disclosures will also be considered where possible.

5. Confidentiality and Protection

The Company will treat all whistleblowing reports confidentially and protect the identity of whistleblowers to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, in some circumstances, the Company may need to disclose the whistleblower’s identity (with your consent where possible) to properly investigate.

Whistleblowers who make a protected disclosure in good faith will be protected from any retaliation, victimisation, or detrimental treatment, including dismissal or disciplinary action.

6. Investigation Process

• Acknowledgement: We will acknowledge receipt of your concern within 14 calendar days.

• Assessment: An initial assessment will determine if the issue falls within the scope of this policy.

• Investigation: A fair, thorough, and confidential investigation will be conducted, respecting your anonymity if requested.

• Communication: You will be kept informed of major developments and the likely timeframe for resolution.

• Outcome: Findings and any corrective actions will be communicated to you, respecting confidentiality and legal constraints.

• Follow-up: We will monitor the implementation of any actions and welcome your feedback.

If the concern involves potential criminal activity, the Company will cooperate fully with any law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

7. Support for Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers have access to support services throughout the process, including:

• Confidential counselling (contact details will be provided upon request)

• Independent legal advice (details available on request)

• External whistleblowing helplines, e.g., Public Concern at Work: www.pcaw.org.uk

8. Roles and Responsibilities

• The Designated Whistleblowing Officer (DWO) is responsible for receiving and managing whistleblowing reports.

• The Human Resources Department will assist with investigations and provide support to whistleblowers.

• Managers must support this policy and encourage a culture of openness.

9. Training and Communication

This policy will be communicated to all staff during induction and refresher training. Managers receive specific training to handle whistleblowing sensitively and effectively.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements.

© Ashley Cleaning Services Limited 1987-2025