Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE EMECO GROUP WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE?
The Emeco Group whistleblower reporting service is an independent and confidential service available to receive information relating to improper conduct, unlawful or unethical behaviour and supports the Emeco Group’s values and Code of Conduct.
WHAT CAN BE REPORTED?
WHY IS EMECO GROUP INTRODUCING THIS SERVICE?
The Emeco Group believes that all employees and other stakeholders should be able to assist in ensuring the Emeco Group maintains its status as an ethical business. The Emeco Group is adopting best practice in this aspect of corporate governance and will be compliant with international and Australian corporate governance standards.
HOW DO I MAKE A REPORT?
The Emeco Group has engaged Stopline to manage the receipt, recording and reporting of serious misconduct. Stopline is an independent, confidential and impartial conduit for information that enables the reporting of corrupt or improper conduct. Stopline has people experienced in handling sensitive information from stakeholders. Details of how you can make contact are listed below.
WHO IS STOPLINE?
DO I HAVE TO GIVE MY NAME?
No. Your call to Stopline can, if you wish, be anonymous and the staff of Stopline will not ask for any personal details. You may volunteer the information anonymously to Stopline if you desire or you can be overt. If you do not wish to remain anonymous, this information may be provided to the Disclosure Officer at the Emeco Group. If you choose to remain anonymous Stopline will issue a confidential reference and password should you wish to seek the status of your disclosure at some later date. Some legislation (e.g. Corporations Act in Australia) will only provide legislative protection if the caller identifies themselves. Stopline can assist at the time of your contact.
IF I MAKE A COMPLAINT REGARDING SUSPECTED MISCONDUCT, HOW WILL I BE PROTECTED?
Emeco is committed to the protection of genuine whistleblowers against action taken in reprisal for the making of protected disclosures. Maintaining confidentiality is a crucial component of this protection. All disclosures will be treated with a high level of confidentiality. Emeco has appointed Stopline to enhance confidentiality and anonymity within Emeco Group with respect to whistleblower procedures.
HOW DOES STOPLINE WORK?
Stopline enables employees, contractors and stakeholders to report in good faith, suspected misconduct via telephone, email, internet, facsimile or mail, to an independent organisation with trained staff who will receive your concerns confidentially (anonymously if you wish) and provide the confidential information to the Disclosure Officer at the Emeco Group. The program then places procedural requirements on dealing with and finalising the outcome of the disclosure.
WHO AND WHAT IS THE DISCLOSURE OFFICER?
A person within Emeco Group is responsible for ensuring that all serious complaints are handled appropriately. The Disclosure Officer is responsible for Emeco Group’s role in managing disclosures and being the contact point for both Stopline and the Emeco. That person is the General Counsel or his/her delegate.
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT STOPLINE?
AT WHAT TIME CAN I CONTACT STOPLINE?
AS AN EMPLOYEE, HOW DO I KNOW THAT SOMEBODY WON’T JUST MAKE SOME FALSE CLAIM TO SETTLE A PERSONAL GRUDGE?
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Each report receives its own unique reference number and even if the person making the report prefers to remain anonymous, we encourage them to contact Stopline at regular intervals (we suggest each 2 weeks) to find out how their matter is progressing. Stopline staff will not divulge any information relating to a report unless the person is able to provide sufficient information to identify them as the person who initially made the report.
This process also assists if the Emeco Group representative appointed to oversee the matter has further queries to be put to the person making the report– Stopline is able to facilitate questions and answers between the investigator and the person making the report while protecting anonymity.
When the investigation is concluded, Stopline will be informed about the outcome and that finding will be recorded on Stopline’s system.
WILL I BE KEPT INFORMED ABOUT THE RESULT OF MAKING A REPORT?
IF I MAKE A REPORT, AM I LIABLE IN ANYWAY?
WHERE ELSE CAN I OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOTLINE SERVICE AND RELATED POLICIES?
Full details are available on the Emeco intranet.