PT 4- Code of Ethics 2025

Whistleblowing

Please ensure every section is fully completed to pass.

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01. Introduction

02. Grievances & Whistleblowing Differences

03. Raising a Concern

What is Whistleblowing?​

It is important to the business to have an open and transparent work culture. We always aim to conduct our business with the highest standards of honesty and integrity every day. However, like any organisation, there are occasions where we face the risk of things going wrong, or we are unaware of wrongdoing, such as dangerous, fraudulent, illegal or unethical conduct taking place.​

The purpose of this training is to encourage you to report genuine incidents of suspected wrongdoing as soon as possible.

What does this mean for you?​

The Watches of Switzerland Group has an obligation to protect those who raise genuine concerns about serious wrongdoing. No colleague will suffer any detriment as a result of raising a genuine concern. This is known as whistleblower protection. In the UK there are statutory legal protections under the Public Interest Disclosure Act and we extend these protections to colleagues across the Group.

The Group’s Whistleblowing Policy sets out these protections and includes all the information you will need to raise a concern.

Whistleblowing Policy

What Amounts to Serious Wrongdoing?

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Deliberate concealment of information that shows any of the above

Endangering an Individual’s Health or Safety

The breach of a Legal or Regulatory Obligation

A miscarriage of justice

Criminal Activity

False Accounting or Financial Reporting Irregularities

Damage to the Environment

Other Matters Where Whistleblowing Protection can apply:

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Sexual, physical or verbal abuse

Serious failures to comply with the Group’s policies and procedures

Bullying or intimidation of colleagues, clients, suppliers or service users

Suspected fraud or corruption, including bribery

Difference Between Grievances & Whistleblowing

As you can see, whistleblowing relates to serious wrongdoing. It does not involve more minor issues, or issues personal to you.

To help you understand examples of a grievance that are not whistleblowing, and must be dealt with under our Grievance Policy, you will now be asked to complete an activity. Identifying whether each of the 6 statements is a grievance or whistleblowing response.

BEGIN ACTIVITY

Once you have confirmed your answer, click on the arrow icon below to continue.

BEGIN QUIZ

How to Raise a Concern

Before raising a concern you must hold a genuine and reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing and reports must be made in good faith. Malicious allegations are not protected and in extreme circumstances may result in action being taken against you.

In almost all instances, you can and should raise concerns with your line manager. They will take the appropriate action to resolve or escalate the issue.

If you wish to remain anonymous or have concerns about any of the reporting channels above, the Group works with an independent company, SafeCall, to operate a phone and web portal where concerns can be raised, including anonymously if required. Their contact details are included in the Whistleblowing Policy on our communication platform or the link below.

SafeCall

What Happens Once a Concern is Reported?

All whistleblowing concerns raised will be treated in the strictest confidence and every effort will be made to the limit the number of people to whom the identity of the whistleblower is made known. Please remember that disclosing your identity allows a more detailed investigation and the opportunity for follow up questions to be asked.

Investigations will be conducted independently, and you will not suffer any detriment from making a genuine report. Outcomes from all investigations are reported to the Group’s Audit & Risk Committee. You will always be told when an investigation is complete.