1. Purpose

UK Fencing Ltd is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, safety, and ethical conduct. This Whistleblowing Policy encourages employees, contractors, and stakeholders to report concerns about wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. It complies with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) and provides a framework for raising and addressing concerns.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, directors, contractors, agency workers, and volunteers of UK Fencing Ltd. It covers concerns related to:

a. Breaches of health and safety regulations (e.g., unsafe construction practices).

b. Financial malpractice, fraud, or corruption.

c. Breaches of legal or regulatory requirements.

d. Environmental damage caused by company activities.

e. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

f. Attempts to conceal any of the above.

3. Policy Statement

UK Fencing Ltd encourages individuals to raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace. We are committed to:

a. Protecting whistleblowers from victimisation, discrimination, or disadvantage.

b. Investigating concerns promptly, fairly, and confidentially.

c. Taking appropriate action to address wrongdoing.

d. Ensuring compliance with UK legislation, including PIDA.

4. Responsibilities

a. Management: The leadership team is responsible for fostering an open culture, ensuring concerns are investigated, and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.

b. Employees and Contractors: All individuals are encouraged to report concerns promptly and in good faith.

c. HR Department: The HR team will support the process, maintain confidentiality, and ensure fair treatment of whistleblowers.

5. What to Report

You should report any concerns about activities that you believe are illegal, unethical, or harmful, including but not limited to:

a. Unsafe working conditions on construction sites.

b. Financial irregularities, such as misreporting or fraud.

c. Breaches of company policies or industry regulations.

d. Actions that endanger employees, the public, or the environment.

6. How to Raise a Concern

a. Internal Reporting: Raise concerns with your line manager or, if inappropriate, with the HR Department (nadia@ukfl.uk) or a senior manager.

b. Confidential Reporting: If you prefer anonymity, use the confidential whistleblowing hotline (0800 123 4567) or email whistleblowing@ukfl.uk.

c. External Reporting: If internal reporting is not suitable, you may contact an external body, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a legal advisor, as protected under PIDA.

7. Protection for Whistleblowers

a. UK Fencing Ltd will not tolerate retaliation, harassment, or victimisation against whistleblowers who raise concerns in good faith.

b. Any employee found to have retaliated against a whistleblower may face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

c. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible, subject to legal requirements.

8. Investigation Process

a. All concerns will be investigated promptly and impartially by an appointed manager or external investigator, if necessary.

b. The whistleblower will be informed of the investigation’s progress and outcome, where appropriate.

c. If the concern is substantiated, UK Fencing Ltd will take corrective action, which may include disciplinary measures or process improvements.

9. False or Malicious Reports

a. Concerns raised in good faith, even if mistaken, will be protected under this policy.

b. Deliberately false or malicious reports may result in disciplinary action.

10.  Monitoring and Review

a. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and compliant with UK legislation.

b. Feedback from employees is encouraged to improve the whistleblowing process.

11. Contact

For questions or to raise a concern, contact the HR Department at nadia@ukfl.uk.

Signed:
Stephen McClenaghan, Managing Director
UK Fencing Ltd
Date: 22 May 2025