Whistleblowing Policy

Introduction

At Global Street Art, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We recognise the importance of providing a safe and secure environment where employees, contractors, and partners can raise genuine concerns about wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

Whistleblowing is the process of reporting suspected misconduct, malpractice, or unethical behaviour within the organisation. A whistleblower is any individual who raises such concerns in good faith.

Scope

This policy is designed to encourage and protect those who report concerns in the public interest. It applies to employees, contractors, freelancers, interns, and anyone associated with Global Street Art.

Concerns that may be raised under this policy include, but are not limited to:

• Financial fraud or mismanagement
• Breaches of legal, professional, or regulatory obligations
• Criminal activity
• Health and safety violations
• Environmental risks
• Improper or unethical behaviour
• Attempts to conceal any of the above

This policy is not intended for personal grievances related to workplace treatment. Such issues should be addressed through our Grievance Procedure or Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work Policy.

Protection and Confidentiality

Whistleblowers are legally protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 when raising concerns in good faith. Global Street Art does not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who come forward. Any employee who experiences detrimental treatment, such as dismissal, disciplinary action, or harassment as a result of whistleblowing, should report it immediately through the grievance process.

We encourage individuals to report concerns openly; however, we will take all possible steps to protect confidentiality where requested. Anonymous disclosures may be harder to investigate, and we encourage whistleblowers to provide sufficient detail to support a thorough inquiry.
For independent advice, whistleblowers may contact Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work), a whistleblowing charity offering confidential guidance:

Helpline: 020 7404 6609
Email: whistle@protect-advice.org.uk
Website: www.pcaw.org.uk

Raising a Whistleblowing Concern

Concerns should first be raised with a line manager or senior manager. If this is not appropriate, employees can escalate the issue to another senior leader. Disclosures can be made in writing or in person.

Upon receipt of a report, an impartial senior manager with relevant investigative experience will review the matter. A whistleblower may be asked to provide further details or attend a meeting, and they have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative. The investigation process will be handled with discretion and professionalism, and updates will be provided where possible.

If a report is found to be made maliciously or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual concerned.

Raising Concerns Externally

Global Street Art encourages all concerns to be raised internally in the first instance. However, if an employee believes their concern has not been adequately addressed, they may contact a relevant external body such as:

• The Health and Safety Executive
• The Financial Conduct Authority
• Other regulatory authorities, depending on the nature of the concern

The media is not considered a relevant external body, and employees should refrain from making public disclosures that could harm the organisation without first exploring appropriate channels.

We strongly encourage individuals to seek guidance before escalating concerns externally and recommend consulting Protect’s confidential helpline for independent advice.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Global Street Art is committed to fostering a culture of openness and accountability. We believe that empowering individuals to speak up is essential for maintaining a responsible and ethical organisation. This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure effectiveness and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.