BTC Code of Conduct and Ethics Booklet V5.0 Page 32 of 33 Dec 2023 • The seriousness of the issues raised • The credibility of the concern • The likelihood of confirming the allegation from attributable sources 3.4 Untrue Allegations If an individual makes an allegation in good faith, which is not confirmed by subsequent investigation, no action will be taken against that individual. In making a disclosure the individual should exercise due care to ensure the accuracy of the information. If, however, an individual makes malicious or vexatious allegations, and particularly if he or she persists with making them, disciplinary action may be taken against that individual. 4. PROCEDURES FOR MAKING A DISCLOSURE On receipt of a complaint of malpractice, the member of staff who receives and takes note of the complaint, must pass this information as soon as is reasonably possible, to the appropriate designated investigating officer as follows: • Complaints of malpractice will be investigated by an appointed Director or senior executive unless the complaint is against or is in any way related to the actions of the Director or senior executive. In such cases, the complaint should be passed to the Chair of the Nominations for referral. • Complaints against the Chief Executive should be passed to the Chair of the Nominations Committee who will nominate an appropriate investigating officer. • The complainant has the right to bypass the line management structure and take their complaint direct to the Chair of the BTC Board. The Chair has the right to refer the complaint back to management if he/she feels that the management without any conflict of interest can more appropriately investigate the complaint. If there is evidence of criminal activity, then the investigating officer should inform the police. BTC will ensure that any internal investigation does not hinder a formal police investigation. 5. TIMESCALES Due to the varied nature of these sorts of complaints, which may involve internal investigators and / or the police, it is not possible to lay down precise timescales for such investigations. The investigating officer should ensure that the investigations are undertaken as quickly as possible without affecting the quality and depth of those investigations. The investigating officer, should as soon as practically possible, send a written acknowledgement of the concern to the complainant and thereafter report back to them in writing the outcome of the investigation and on the action that is proposed. If the investigation is a prolonged one, the investigating officer should keep the complainant informed, in writing, as to the progress of the investigation and as to when it is likely to be concluded. All responses to the complainant should be in writing and sent to their home address. 6. INVESTIGATING PROCEDURE The investigating officer should follow these steps: • Full details and clarifications of the complaint should be obtained.
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