Whistleblowing Policy

Purpose

Artisan Drinks Limited is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders to report any concerns about potential wrongdoing within the organization.

This Whistleblowing Policy aims to provide clear guidelines and protection to those who raise legitimate concerns about misconduct, unethical behaviour, or violations of laws and regulations. The policy outlines the procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing whistleblowing disclosures.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and any other individuals associated with Artisan Drinks including temporary workers and volunteers.

What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting information about suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, breaches of laws, regulations, or company policies, or any other wrongdoing that may be harmful to the public interest or the organisation.

Types of Disclosures

Disclosures covered under this policy may include, but are not limited to:

• Criminal offenses or fraud.
• Health and safety violations.
• Environmental breaches.
• Financial misconduct or accounting irregularities.
• Discrimination or harassment.
• Breaches of data protection or confidentiality.
• Any actions that pose a risk to the public or the organization's reputation.

Reporting Mechanisms

Employees are encouraged to report their concerns internally first. If employees are uncomfortable doing so or believe their concerns have not been adequately addressed, they may make an external report to the appropriate regulatory body or authority.

5.1. Internal Reporting: Employees should raise their concerns with their immediate supervisor or manager. If the concern involves the supervisor or manager, employees can report directly to the Team Manager. Alternatively, employees can use the company's HR Escape portal to report any concerns via a confidential staff survey submission.

5.2. External Reporting: If employees believe that their concerns are not being appropriately addressed internally or fear retaliation, they have the right to escalate the matter externally to the appropriate regulatory body or authority.

Protection for Whistleblowers

Artisan Drinks is committed to protecting whistleblowers from any form of retaliation or victimisation. Any employee found to engage in retaliation against a whistleblower will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The identity of the whistleblower will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law, and steps will be taken to protect the whistleblower's anonymity where possible.

Handling and Investigation of Disclosures

All whistleblowing reports will be taken seriously, and a thorough investigation will be conducted promptly. The investigation will be carried out impartially and fairly, respecting the rights of all parties involved.

Non-Retaliation

No employee will suffer any adverse consequences for making a genuine and good-faith whistleblowing disclosure. Any employee found to retaliate against a whistleblower will face disciplinary action.

False or Malicious Allegations

Making false or malicious allegations with the intention of harming an individual's reputation or the organization is a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Communication and Training

This policy will be communicated to all employees and stakeholders. Training on the policy and procedures will be provided to relevant employees to ensure understanding and compliance.

Policy Review

This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective and compliant with the latest regulations. Updates will be communicated to all employees and stakeholders.