The University of Greenwich is committed to the highest standards of openness, probity and accountability and recognises that effective and honest communication is essential if concerns about breaches or failures are to be dealt with effectively.
Whistleblowing is when a person discloses information which they reasonably believe shows wrongdoing or unlawful behaviour, and where it is in the public interest to make the disclosure. The University's Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Policy and Procedure allows employees or other members of the University (including students, workers employed by the University's contractors or agencies and Governors) to raise concerns and/or disclose information which they believe shows malpractice or wrongdoing.
The Policy and Procedure sets out how the University will investigate disclosures which are protected by the Public Interest Disclosure Act and the safeguards in place to protect those who disclose concerns. Individuals who make disclosures that they reasonably believe are substantially true, and who do not make disclosures for the purpose of personal gain, will not under any circumstances be subjected to any form of detriment or disadvantage as a result of having raised their concerns. Disclosures may be made anonymously, although anonymous disclosures can be more difficult to investigate and individuals are encouraged to put their name to any disclosures they make. An appeal process is provided if an individual is dissatisfied with the University's response to their disclosure.
The Policy and Procedure is not intended to replace other procedures which the University has for investigating issues relating to individuals (e.g. relating to grievances, complaints and discipline), which will be used where appropriate.
Disclosures under the Policy and Procedure should be made to whistleblowing@greenwich.ac.uk. This email address is monitored by the University Secretary and the Executive Director of People. If your disclosure relates to one or both of these individuals, it may be submitted instead to the University’s Chief Operating Officer (chiefoperatingofficer@greenwich.ac.uk).
Disclosures may also be submitted by post addressed to the appropriate officer (University Secretary, Executive Director of People or Chief Operating Officer) to: University of Greenwich, Queen Anne Court, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS.
Further guidance on disclosing a concern is provided in the Policy and Procedure.
Advice and guidance may be available (as appropriate) from Protect (the whistleblowing charity), the University’s trade unions, Greenwich Students’ Union or Citizens Advice.