‘Whistleblowing’ Policy
Whistleblowing is the term used to describe the act of reporting wrongdoing within an organisation to internal or external parties. In general this means the raising of a concern about a danger, risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which affects others. Beyond Racing (BR) is a charity supporting the welfare of horses that have retired from racing. BR takes very seriously any form of misconduct and expects the highest standards from all those involved with the charity. We are committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity and accountability. However, we also recognise that malpractices can occur and we actively encourage anyone who has genuine concerns about any aspect of the charity’s work to come forward. All disclosures raised will be dealt with appropriately, consistently, fairly and professionally.
We will:
- undertake to protect confidentiality and the identity of the person making the disclosure, unless required by law to reveal it.
- keep you informed about the progress of any investigation, but sometimes the need for confidentiality may mean we cannot give you specific details. Any information which is provided must be treated as confidential.
- not tolerate the harassment or victimisation of anyone raising a genuine concern and provide them with appropriate support.
Personal grievances (eg bullying, harassment, and discrimination) are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless a particular case is in the public interest. Cases that are malicious in intent, make vexatious allegations or are intended for personal gain may result in exclusion from the charity or, in the case of an employee, may constitute gross misconduct and could result in formal disciplinary action or dismissal. Furthermore, any attempt to leak confidential/prejudicial information under the guise of whistleblowing may constitute a disciplinary offence.
This policy does not apply to general complaints about the charity’s activities or how you have been treated either as a participant or an employee/volunteer. A separate complaints policy can be found on our website. Please remember that social media sites are public spaces and are not the appropriate channel for raising concerns.
Reporting concerns
If you become aware of misconduct or malpractice, we encourage you to make a report. Anyone making a whistleblowing disclosure should expect to do so without fear of reprisal or victimisation. Disclosures must be made in good faith and be in the public interest. Examples could include a criminal offence (eg, financial impropriety such as fraud), failure to comply with a legal obligation, a miscarriage of justice, a danger to the health and safety of any individual, damage to the environment or deliberate concealment of information about any of these matters. You must have a reasonable belief that the information you are providing shows that one or more of the issues is happening, has happened, or is likely to happen in the future. Whistleblower protection in Australia is offered for certain disclosures under various laws at federal and state level.
How to make contact and how concerns are dealt with
Anyone wishing to make a whistleblowing disclosure under this policy can speak to or write to the Board of BR. The Board will provide you with information about the process and will assess what action should be taken. BR will confirm its response in writing, but may not be able to tell you the precise action we take if this would involve breaking the confidentiality of another person.
Contact details
If you wish to make a whistleblowing disclosure, please contact the Board on 0432 111 896 or in writing, marking the envelope ‘Private & Confidential’, at the following address:
Beyond Racing Ltd, PO Box 193, Nar Nar Goon, Victoria 3812
Beyond Racing Ltd is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) in Australia and our work is regulated by them. Beyond Racing must meet the ACNC’s Governance Standards. If you feel unable to contact BR directly with a whistleblowing report, then:
You can contact the ACNC via this link https://www.acnc.gov.au/raise-concern
Alternatively, you can contact ACNC on 13 22 62 and their Advice team will assist you over the phone.
This policy is reviewed, approved and endorsed by Beyond Racing’s Board annually or when legislation changes
