1Introduction
Department Of Finance (DOF) seeks to conduct business with the highest business conduct standards and ethics as well as promoting an environment of openness and honest communication.
This is why DOF has implemented a whistleblowing policy that enables whistleblowers to raise a report through confidential channel.
A whistleblower is a person who exposes secretive information or activity that is deemed illegal, unethical, or not correct within a private or public organization.
2Whistleblowing Reporting Procedure
2.1Who Can Raise a Report
Whistleblowers who are considered to be eligible to raise a report under DOF whistleblowing policy are:
Internal
Including but not limited to: employee, executive directors, directors, interns, secondees, outsources, etc.
External
Including but not limited to: suppliers, customers, agents, business partners, etc.
2.2What Can Be Reported
The following are issues that can be reported through the Whistleblowing channels:
- Fraud
- Failure to comply with a legal obligation or applicable law
- Criminal activity
- Improper conduct or unethical behavior
- Attempts to conceal any violations
- Corruption
- Discrimination
- Harassment & Bullying
- Dangers to health, safety, and environment
- Any other matter of great significance
All issues that do not fall under the categories mentioned above and pertaining to human resources or customers service shall be reported to their respective departments and do not fall within the Whistleblowing policy.
2.3How Can It Be Reported
- 1Visiting DOF website www.ajmandof.ae
- 2Click on Digital Participation > Whistleblowing
- 3Fill the form
The above-mentioned reporting tool is only accessible by the Internal Audit office and the Chairman of Department of Finance.
2.4Investigation Process
The Internal Audit office shall be responsible for investigating and making appropriate recommendations to the Chairman with respect to all violations.
The Internal Audit office may contact the person who raised the report (in case the person put his name and contact details) for feedback to help determine whether the matter dealt with reasonably and appropriately.
2.5Feedback and Updates
As part of the investigation process, the whistleblower will receive a confirmation of receiving the report.
3Anonymity
Whistleblowers have the right to raise their reports anonymously. Nevertheless, reporting with disclosing the identity are encouraged to ensure proper investigation and to provide assistance in case more information is needed from the whistleblower.
The Internal Audit office shall take all the necessary measures to keep the identity of the whistleblower anonymous.
4Confidentiality
All data and information provided by the whistleblower will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible consistent with the investigation. Neither DOF nor any of its employees have the right to disclose such information or use it for any purpose other than intended purposes.
5Whistleblower Protection
DOF is committed to the protection of its whistleblowers that are listed in clause 2.2 from the following:
- Protection against discrimination
- Revenge, harassment, or persecution by other employees
- Bias in the present or future
- Loss of opportunity for promotion
- Dismissal
- Termination of contracts
- Right to engage in future business with DOF
6Malicious Allegations and Policy Abuse
Whistleblowers shall use this policy in due professional care. Any malicious use of the policy may lead to disciplinary action against the whistleblower.
7Review of the Policy
The policy shall be reviewed annually or whenever there is need for amendments by the Internal Audit office and shall be subject to amendments as per business, law and regulation, organization structure, or any other changes. Any amendments to the policy shall be approved by the Chairman of Department Of Finance Ajman.
Version
First
Issue Date
1 October 2022
Prepared by
Internal Audit Office