Reporting of Wrongdoing Policy

General

The Human Givens Institute (HGI)’s Code of Ethics and Conduct requires members to observe high standards of professional ethics in the conduct of their work and responsibilities.  It is incumbent on Human Givens practitioners, supervisors and the HGI Board and committee members to practise with honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.  The HGI is committed to creating an open and transparent environment where staff, volunteers, and stakeholders can report concerns without fear of retaliation.

This Policy provides guidance on the procedure for raising concerns regarding misconduct, illegal activities or unethical behaviour within the organisation and applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors and any individuals associated with the HGI.  It covers concerns relating to criminal offences, breaches of legal obligations, miscarriages of justice, health and safety risks, damage to the environment, fraud or financial irregularities, abuse of power or position and any other unethical behaviour

Reporting responsibility

It is the responsibility of all HGI members and directors to comply with the HGI’s Code of Ethics and there is an onus on them to report violations or suspected violations, in accordance with this Policy.  The HGI encourages individuals to report concerns in good faith.  Reports will be taken seriously and the HGI is committed to protecting reporters of wrongdoing from harassment, victimisation or any form of retaliation.  Reporters are encouraged to document their concerns in writing including the nature of the concern, the individuals involved, dates and times of incidents and any other supporting evidence.

It is also incumbent on HGI members, staff, Board Directors and volunteers to raise concerns about the governance, processes or conduct of the HGI.  Any such concerns should be reported to the External Oversight Committee (EOC).

Reporting

Any HGI member having serious concerns is encouraged to contact the Registration and Professional Standards Committee (RPSC), which will review the matter.  The RPSC is independent of the HGI and has considerable expertise in managing reports of wrongdoing.

Anyone making an allegation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed.  Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and to have been made maliciously or known to be false, could be viewed as a disciplinary offence.

Anonymous Allegations

This Policy encourages members to put their names to allegations because appropriate follow-up questions and investigation may not be possible unless the source of the information is identified.  Concerns expressed anonymously will be explored appropriately, but consideration will be given to:

• The seriousness of the issue raised
• The credibility of the concern
• The likelihood of confirming the allegation from sources that can be attributed to person/s with direct experience of the matter(s) raised

Anonymous allegations can be reported by completing the complaints form here.

Confidentiality

Allegations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate review.

Role of the RPSC

The RPSC is responsible for reviewing all reported allegations of wrongdoing. Any allegation will be managed as per the process set out in ‘How the HGI Deals with Complaints’.

If the investigation substantiates the concerns raised, appropriate action will be taken, which may include disciplinary measures against individuals involved.

Where the reporter of wrongdoing or the member against whom the allegations of misconduct have been made is not satisfied with the decision of the RPSC, they will have the right to lodge an appeal.  The grounds for appeal are those at page 9 of 'How the HGI deals with complaints', which also sets out the appeals process.  If you feel unable to report the matter internally, you may contact external authorities such as The Charity Commission, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other relevant regulatory bodies.  Reporters of Wrongdoing may seek support from an external body.

No retaliation

No member, practitioner, or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, detriment, retaliation or other adverse consequence.  A member who is found to have retaliated against someone who has reported a violation in good faith, could be subject to disciplinary proceedings and, where appropriate, sanctions will be applied up to and including expulsion from the HGI.  This Policy is intended to encourage and enable members to raise serious concerns within the HGI.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and in line with current legislation and best practice.

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Last reviewed: December 2024