LIVING HOPE METHODIST CHURCH
WHISTLE-BLOWING POLICY
- INTRODUCTION
- This Whistle-Blowing Policy applies to Living Hope Methodist Church (LHMC).
- This policy provides a platform for individuals to disclose any observed improprieties that involve LHMC employees, Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) members, leaders and volunteers, and/or related entities without fear of reprisal.
- Whistle-blowers should report their concerns in good faith. The whistle-blower’s identity and the concerns raised will be kept confidential, unless as required by the law to be revealed to parties such as lawyers, the police or investigators.
- The Governance Committee (GC) is responsible to initiate independent review and investigation of all instances of whistle-blowing.
- Results of investigation will also be reported to the LCEC. Necessary actions will be taken for any wrongdoings identified (being conduct that is dishonest, corrupt, illegal, or concealment of such conduct).
- Disclosure of the identity of the whistler-blower, whether to be shared with LCEC or not, shall be at the discretion of GC.
- POLICY COVERAGE
The policy broadly covers, but not limited to, the following areas :
- Abuse of power or authority.
- Financial fraud eg in financial reporting and accounting, misappropriation of assets, embezzlement of funds, accounting manipulation.
- Bribery and corruption eg inappropriate personal gain, gift, or facilitation payments.
- Non-compliance with internal control procedures or Code of Conduct.
- Material conflicts of interest without disclosure.
- Serious endangerment to environment, health and safety of individuals.
- Improper conduct eg. misconduct of sexual nature, lying, falsifying any records, workplace harassment.
- Workplace harassment eg. threatening, abusive, insulting language, cyber bullying, stalking.
- REPORTING PROCESS
- Whistle blower may make report via email to governance@lhmc.org.sg OR submit a written and sealed report, marked “Private & Confidential” to LHMC Office, attention to : Governance Committee Chairperson.
- In order to efficiently evaluate and investigate a complaint, it is necessary that whistle blowers put their names in their report, for the investigating personnel to seek any clarification or additional information if necessary.
- The report submitted should be as specific as possible and include the following –
- Name and contact details of the Whistle Blower.
- Background and history of the concern, giving names, dates and places where possible, setting out in writing why the Whistle Blower is concerned about the situation.
- The Whistle Blower should consider the following in the report –
- Disclose the unlawful or unethical practices promptly to avoid any misinterpretation on the motives.
- Focus on the issue and avoid unnecessary personal resentment.
- Submit accurate, factual observations and claims and provide as much information as possible.
- Avoid any speculation or any prejudicial allegation.
- Exercise sound judgement and avoid baseless allegations.
- On receipt of the report, the Chair of Governance Committee will write to the Whistle Blower acknowledging receipt of the information and if need be, to seek further details and evidence.
- On completion of the investigation and/or actions taken, the Whistle Blower may be informed, if appropriate, of the final outcome of the findings.
- Confidentiality of the Whistle Blower and the information provided shall be upheld as far as is possible.