The purpose of this Whistle Blower Policy is to provide a clear and structured framework for reporting suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, or illegal activities within Stonebridge University.

The policy aims to:

• Protect the interests of the university, its staff, students, stakeholders, and the wider community.
• Encourage staff and students to raise genuine concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance practices across all levels of the university.

This policy applies to:

• All university employees (academic and administrative)
• Contractors, consultants, and service providers
• Temporary staff, volunteers, and interns
• Students and alumni engaging with the university

It covers concerns related to:

• Financial misconduct or impropriety
• Breaches of academic integrity or university policy
• Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
• Health, safety, and environmental risks
• Retaliation or victimisation against whistle blowers
• Any unlawful or unethical behaviour impacting the university

A whistle blower is any individual (employee, student, or affiliate) who raises a concern or provides evidence of misconduct in good faith. Concerns must be based on reasonable grounds and not on unfounded allegations or personal grievances (e.g., exam grades, promotions, or contract disputes).

Stonebridge University assures that:

• Whistle blowers will not face victimisation, retaliation, discrimination, or harassment for making a complaint in good faith.
• Any form of intimidation, coercion, demotion, suspension, or unfair treatment against a whistle blower will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence.
• Protection applies even if subsequent investigation does not confirm misconduct, provided the report was made honestly and responsibly.

• Complaints should be made after a prudent assessment, supported by facts or evidence.
• Reports made maliciously, frivolously, or with ulterior motives may result in disciplinary action against the complainant.
• No action will be taken against whistle blowers who make genuine reports, even if they are not substantiated upon investigation.

Stonebridge University is committed to protecting the identity of whistle blowers.

• Reports will be treated in the strictest confidence, disclosed only on a need-to-know basis.
• A whistle blower may choose to remain anonymous; however, anonymity must be supported with strong evidence.
• Identity may only be revealed with the whistle blower’s consent or when legally required.

Concerns may be reported through the following channels:

• Directly to the Vice-Chancellor/Director
• Through the Human Resources Office
• To the Head of Department or Faculty Dean
• Via confidential email reporting: whistleblowing@stonebridge.university

Complaints not considered under this policy include:

• Trivial, unfounded, or old matters
• Personal grievances (e.g., pay, promotions, assessments) which are handled under other policies (e.g., Appeals or Complaints Procedure)

• All reports will undergo an initial assessment to determine validity and seriousness.
• If necessary, an Independent Investigation Committee (including HR, legal, and academic representatives) will be formed.
• Investigations will be impartial, timely, and respectful of all parties involved.
• Whistle blowers will be updated on progress where possible, within confidentiality limits.

• All whistle blower cases, findings, and actions will be recorded and securely stored.
• Reports will be made available to the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, or other authorised university bodies as required.

This policy remains valid until formally revised and approved by the Stonebridge University Board of Directors.