Whistleblowing

NCSS whistleblowing channels

NCSS Whistleblowing Framework provides a platform for individuals to disclose occurrences of possible wrongful practices within NCSS, for appropriate investigation and action, without fear of reprisal. The whistleblowing channels are independently managed by the Internal Audit Unit.

All disclosures should be made in good faith, without any personal agenda or ulterior motive, and based on reasonable grounds for suspecting that wrongful practice has occurred. NCSS will not tolerate any form of discrimination, retaliation or harassment against a whistleblower, who makes a disclosure in good faith.

Wrongful practices include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Failure to observe a legal obligation

2. Miscarriage of justice;

3. Endangering the health and safety of persons or the environment;

4. Financial and non-financial malpractice e.g. not observing proper procedures for tendering, funding or fund raising;

5. Fraud or deliberately including false or incorrect information in the preparation, evaluation, review, audit of financial accounts and records;

6. Academic or professional malpractice, e.g. violation of intellectual property rights or displaying a lack of integrity by plagiarising the research of others;

7. Serious misconduct or unethical behaviour, including but not limited to sexual and workplace harassment;

8. Wilful suppression or concealment of any information relating to wrongful practices; or

9. Ethical violations (e.g. conflict of interest)

For service-related feedback or general enquiries relating to Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and partners that does not relate to wrongdoing committed by NCSS staff, please contact the appropriate party listed under Contact Us ↗ (opens in new tab).

Reporting channels

You may use any of the following channels to submit a report, with supporting documents where possible:

NCSS staff should continue to raise human resource issues through existing internal channels.

Information to be provided

To enable NCSS to effectively investigate your concerns effectively, please provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Name(s) and designation(s) of person(s)/organisation(s) involved;

• Description of the incident, including where, when and how did the incident occur;

• Period and Frequency of occurrence of the incident;

• Details of any witnesses and evidence you know of;

• Value of any money or assets involved (if applicable);

• Any other information and/ or supporting documents that may substantiate the concern

We encourage whistleblowers to leave their names to the allegations and contact details, in case further information or clarification is required. To the extent feasible and permissible under the law, NCSS will make every effort not to reveal the identity of the whistleblower.

All instances of whistleblowing, including those that do not warrant investigation or any further action, will be reported to the Audit & Risk Committee comprising Council members who are independent of NCSS’ Management.