1) What is Integrity Helpline?
Integrity Helpline is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool to assist management and employees in working together to address fraud, abuse and other misconduct in the workplace. Alphonsa is focused on cultivating a positive work environment.
2) When should I report?
When you observe some behaviour that you believe violates our Guiding Principles, Values and related Compliance Policies, we expect you to report it.
3) What should I report?
Some of the issues and behaviours that you can report include:
Accounting
Any activity related to inaccurate/mis-stated financial records, incomplete, improper or unpunctual disclosure of funds, assets and transactions, Mark To Market Manipulation, Stock Manipulation
Asset Misappropriation
Theft of Company/Personal Property, Fraudulent Schemes, Fraudulent Expenses, Inaccurate Timekeeping, etc.
Bribery / Corruption
Bribes / Kickbacks / Inappropriate Gifts or Gratuities paid, offered, accepted, approved, promised. Corrupt Business Practices, Bid Collusion
Ethics / Business Integrity
Violations of any Company Policy, Conflict of Interest, Product Sabotage, Food Safety, Falsification of Records, Compromise of Intellectual Property, Procurement violations, Sanctions Violations, Trading Violations
Human Resources / Workplace Concerns
Harassment of any kind including Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, unfair treatment by manager/co-worker, Alcohol and Controlled Substance (abuse or possession), Pay & Benefits issues, Abuse, Exploitation or Bullying of any kind, Discrimination of any kind, Misuse of Computer Assets, Misuse or Damage of Company Resources
Environmental, Health and Safety
Any workplace condition that potentially compromises the health, safety, and well-being of employees, customers, vendors, or visitors
Legal / Regulatory
Violations of any state or national law or regulation such as anti-trust, competition or money laundering
Security Matters
Workplace Threats or Violence, Site Security Breaches or Weaknesses, Weapons Possession, Travel Safety Concerns, Criminal Conduct, Other Security Concerns
Other
Any concerns, incidents or violations not described in the above categories.
4) I'm not sure if any misconduct actually occurred, I just don't feel right about something. What should I do?
File a report. We would rather have you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behaviour go unchecked because you weren't sure.
Even if misconduct didn't take place, other positive actions can result from a report, such as clearer communication or additional training on important policies.
5) Should I identify myself?
If you choose to identify yourself in reporting your concern, Alphonsa will make every reasonable effort to hold your name in confidence during the investigation. Many investigations can be more quickly and effectively completed when the reporter is identified because it allows Alphonsa’s investigators to follow up directly with the reporter. Please note that if you are reporting about a personal concern involving your work schedule, benefits, pay or other employment-related matters, we may not be able to resolve it if you do not identify yourself. Please take this into account when filing your report.
6) Who should I turn to if I have a concern?
Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct manager, or other member of your management team. However, if you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner, you can contact us using our Integrity Hotline.
7) I'm worried that people may learn about my report and get me into trouble. How confidential is the Integrity Helpline?
You can report anonymously. We would prefer you report anonymously than keep the information to yourself. At all times, confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances.
In addition, it is a stated Alphonsa Cashew Industries’ policy that we will not tolerate retaliation or threat of retaliation against employees who in good faith report, oppose, or participate in the investigation of suspected unethical or unlawful activities or other cases of misconduct in or related to its business activities.
Please read our Anti-Retaliation Policy.
8) When I submit a report on the Integrity Helpline, where does it go? What will be done?
Reports are entered directly on a secure server to prevent any possible breach in security and sent directly to the Director.
9) Will I be liable for malicious reporting?
The transmittal of knowingly false information to Integrity Helpline by Alphonsa Cashew Industries staff members constitutes misconduct, for which disciplinary measures may be imposed. Alphonsa will take strict disciplinary action against any employee who deliberately make a false accusation or intentionally provide false information.
10) How to report retaliation?
Employees of Alphonsa Cashew Industries have a right to be protected from retaliation for having reported allegations of wrongdoing or for having cooperated with a duly authorised audit or investigation. Any employee who believe that retaliatory action has been taken against them may forward all supporting information and documentation to the Director’s Office at the below address:
Head - Ethics
Alphonsa Cashew Industries
Puthur P.O., Kollam
Kerala - 691507
India
Phone: +91 9744 62 7000
Email: integrity@alphonsacashew.com
If the Director establishes a credible case of retaliation or threat of retaliation, it will escalate the case for investigation. Alphonsa Cashew Industries will do its utmost to protect whistleblowers by sanctioning employees who take reprisals against individuals who report allegations of wrongdoing.
Please read our Anti-Retaliation Policy for more information on how you will be protected from retaliation for speaking up.
11) I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
Alphonsa Cashew Industries chooses to promote ethical behaviour. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and employees, including you. You only have to consider what happened in recent corporate scandals to see disastrous effects that a seemingly harmless lapse in ethics can have on an otherwise healthy company. So if you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and your coworkers to report it.
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