Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Whistleblowing Policy 1. OBJECTIVE A culture of good governance, integrity, responsibility and accountability is important to SUTD. The SUTD Whistleblowing Policy, which has the total support and commitment of the Board of Trustees, Audit & Risk Committee and the University’s senior management, is put in place with this objective. 2. SCOPE The SUTD Whistleblowing Policy provides a formalised, secured and confidential avenue for both employees and external parties to raise concerns about actual or suspected improprieties on the part of Management or fellow employees and in so doing deter wrongdoing and promote standards of ethical behaviour and integrity in the work environment and in our dealings with external parties. Reportable incidents include and are not restricted to the following improper and unethical activities (actual or suspected): Corruption or bribery Embezzlement or cheating or theft Violation of laws and regulations Irregularities in financial reporting, misstatements arising from misappropriation of assets Improper or unauthorised expenditures Misuse of funds and resources Abuse of power or authority Conflict of interest without due disclosure Breach or circumvention of internal policies Aiding and abetting illegal activities Unauthorised access and/or disclosure of information Concealment or wilful suppression of any malpractice or misconduct Acts to mislead, deceive, manipulate, coerce or fraudulently influence the preparation, examination, audit or review of any assets and records of the university Endangerment to health or safety of persons or environment Any form of harassment Academic or professional malpractice e.g. violation of intellectual property rights or failure of integrity in research Any other conduct that may cause financial, non-financial loss or damage of reputation to SUTD. 3. CONFIDENTIALITY & PROTECTION No person should be intimidated or restrained from reporting any impropriety. The identity of the complainant / informant would be kept confidential, with the exception of the following: By law required to reveal The whistleblower has waived his / her rights to confidentiality The identity of the complainant/informant is already publicly known Information is given on a strictly confidential basis for the purpose of obtaining professional advice The Board of Trustees opined that it would be in the best interest of the University to disclose the identity. A whistleblower who acts and makes disclosures in good faith will be protected against reprisals. Victimisation of the whistleblower is viewed seriously and will not be tolerated and anyone found guilty of this will be disciplined. In the event that a whistleblower is treated unfairly, he or she may raise a complaint to the President or the Chair, ARC, in which an investigation may be conducted. The investigation team will consist of members who are not part of the initial Committee of Inquiry, and will be decided by the President and Chair, ARC. If, however, an allegation is made frivolously, mischievously, maliciously or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against the complainant to deter any abuse of the Policy. Similarly, anyone who condones wrongdoing through wilful suppression or concealment of relevant information or interferes with the investigation may be disciplined. 4. REPORTING MODES The whistleblowing channel is opened to internal faculty / staff / researchers (permanent, contract, temporary), students and external parties. You may channel your concerns to the following receiving parties: (1) Head of Internal Audit Email: whistleblowing@sutd.edu.sg Postal: (Marked “Confidential”, Attention to Office of Internal Audit, and sealed in an envelope) Singapore University of Technology and Design 8 Somapah Road, #05-301 Building 3, Level 5 Singapore 487372 Telephone: 6777 8324 OR (2) President Email: whistleblowing_President@sutd.edu.sg OR (3) Audit & Risk Committee Chairperson Email: ARC_Chair@sutd.edu.sg Your report is important to us and we view it seriously To facilitate our independent investigation, please provide us with the following information using the form when you make a report. A whistleblower has the option to identify himself / herself or remain anonymous. However, concerns expressed or information provided anonymously will be investigated on the basis of their merits. Vague or insufficient information can impede the investigation process and consequently allegations may not be pursued.