Last Updated: January 2025
1. Purpose
Platinum Retail Group ("we", "our", or "the Company") is committed to conducting business with honesty and integrity. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework for employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about wrongdoing, malpractice, or unethical conduct within the organisation without fear of retaliation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, officers, directors, contractors, consultants, agency workers, and any other individuals working on behalf of or with the Company. It covers concerns raised about activities within the Company or its supply chain.
3. What to Report
You are encouraged to raise concerns about any of the following:
- Criminal activity or offences
- Fraud, bribery, or corruption
- Health and safety risks or violations
- Environmental damage or risks
- Financial irregularities or misreporting
- Failure to comply with legal or regulatory obligations
- Breach of company policies or codes of conduct
- Discrimination, harassment, or bullying
- Deliberate concealment of any of the above
4. How to Report
Concerns can be raised through any of the following channels. You may choose to raise your concern in confidence, and we will make every effort to protect your identity.
- Directly to your line manager or supervisor
- To a senior manager or director
- Through our confidential reporting email
- In writing to the Company's registered office address
- Through our Contact Page
When raising a concern, please provide as much detail as possible, including the nature of the concern, names of those involved, dates, and any supporting evidence.
5. Protections for Whistleblowers
The Company is committed to ensuring that no individual who raises a genuine concern in good faith will suffer any detriment, retaliation, or victimisation as a result.
- All reports will be treated seriously and investigated promptly
- Confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible
- Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
- Any employee found to have retaliated against a whistleblower will face disciplinary action
- Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated, though providing contact details helps us investigate more effectively
6. Investigation Process
Upon receiving a report, the Company will follow a structured investigation process:
- All concerns will be acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt
- An appropriate investigating officer will be appointed, independent of the area under investigation
- The investigation will be conducted thoroughly and fairly
- The whistleblower will be kept informed of the progress and outcome where appropriate
- Findings will be reported to senior management and, where necessary, to relevant authorities
- Corrective actions will be taken where wrongdoing is confirmed
7. Confidentiality
All concerns raised will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The identity of the whistleblower will not be disclosed without their consent, unless required by law or necessary for the purposes of the investigation.
8. False or Malicious Reports
While this policy encourages the reporting of genuine concerns, the Company takes a serious view of false or malicious allegations. Any individual found to have made a deliberately false or malicious report may face disciplinary action.
9. External Reporting
If you feel that your concern has not been adequately addressed through internal channels, or if you believe it is not appropriate to raise it internally, you may contact the relevant prescribed body or regulatory authority, such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Financial Conduct Authority, or the Environment Agency.
10. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective and up to date with legislative changes and best practices.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Whistleblowing Policy, please contact us through our Contact Page.