Whistleblowing Policy

Humanity Care Relief (HCR) is committed to maintaining an open, honest, and accountable culture. This policy provides a framework for employees and volunteers to raise serious concerns about malpractice within the organization, without fear of victimization, discrimination, or disadvantage.

This policy is in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which protects individuals who disclose concerns about wrongdoing in the public interest.

This policy addresses serious and sensitive concerns about wrongdoings, including but not limited to:

It is not necessary for individuals to prove the wrongdoing; a reasonable belief is sufficient. However, knowingly making false accusations can lead to disciplinary action, including potential dismissal.

This policy is not intended for grievances related to personal employment issues, which should be addressed through HCR’s Grievance Procedure. Complaints related to harassment, bullying, or discrimination are covered under the Bullying and Harassment Policy. Volunteers and service users should refer to the Volunteer Complaints Procedure and the Service Users Complaints Procedure, respectively.

Concerns should ideally be raised with the individual’s line manager. If this is not appropriate or the manager is unable to address the issue, the concern should be directed to the Whistleblowing Officer, [Name of Whistleblowing Officer].

In situations involving the Whistleblowing Officer, concerns should be reported directly to the Trustees. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing, detailing the background, history, and reasons for the concern, including any relevant dates and names.

Employees are encouraged to seek assistance from their trade union representatives if needed. They may also have a trade union representative or colleague present during any meetings related to the concern.

Individuals uncertain about the procedure can seek independent advice from:

Disclosures to legal advisors for legal advice are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

HCR is committed to protecting individuals who raise genuine concerns. Those who disclose information in good faith will not face job loss, disciplinary action, or other reprisals. The confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained, except where disclosure is required by law or where it is necessary for the investigation.

Anonymous disclosures will be considered at the discretion of the Whistleblowing Officer, based on the seriousness and verifiability of the concern.

Upon receiving a concern, an initial assessment will determine the appropriate course of action. This may include an internal investigation, referral to the police, or other relevant authorities. Whistleblowers may be required to provide evidence in subsequent proceedings.

The whistleblower will receive feedback on the outcome of the investigation, where possible while maintaining confidentiality.

HCR fosters a culture of openness and encourages the reporting of concerns without fear of reprisal. Managers and employees are trained to handle whistleblowing cases appropriately.

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers from unfair dismissal or detriment for making protected disclosures. This includes employees, trainees, agency staff, contractors, and more. Volunteers, while not covered by the Act, are encouraged to raise concerns under this policy and will be supported appropriately.

If internal channels are exhausted or inappropriate, disclosures can be made to prescribed external bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, Inland Revenue, and others listed on the Public Concern at Work website. In cases of exceptionally serious issues, wider disclosures to the police, MPs, or media may be protected under the Act.

For more information and guidance on whistleblowing, individuals can refer to:

This policy is intended to ensure that concerns about wrongdoing within HCR are addressed in a professional and timely manner, supporting a culture of transparency and integrity.

We are a UK-based international relief and development charity. Inspired by Islamic teachings of empathy, generosity, and selflessness, we focus on alleviating poverty and suffering across the world. We operate a 100% Zakat Policy, which means every single penny of your Zakat will go to the victims of poverty, wars, and natural disasters.

Before you support our Food Appeal, Water Appeal, Gaza Emergency Appeal, Syria Emergency Appeal, Pakistan Floods Appeal, or any Emergency Appeal, remember to make the intention that you are donating for the sake of Allah first and helping your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters second. This is very important because as Muslims, whatever act of worship we do, we do it for the sake of Allah.

Along with our emergency appeals, we are working on some amazing projects which will, Insha’Allah, bring prosperity to many Muslim homes from around the world. Donate your Sadaqah and Zakat to our projects like Build a Masjid, Livelihoods for the Poor, Sponsor a Widow, Sponsor an Orphan, Sponsor a Nikah, Donate a Sewing Machine, or help educate the Ummah by donating towards education projects, Sponsoring a Hafiz, Sponsoring a Child in Education, or supporting young people in university and Islamic education. Donate with confidence, Insha’Allah, every penny of your donation is your Amanah, and we will try our best to spend it on people who are in need.

Every year, we as Muslims celebrate two seasons the most: one, Ramadan, and two, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. During these blessed days, we put all our efforts into pleasing Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى by performing good deeds. Here at HCR, we provide you with the platform to perform an important act of worship: charity. In Ramadan, you can donate to the Ramadan Food Appeal, and Ramadan Zakat Appeal, Donate Your Fidyah, Donate Your Fitrana, and Pay Your Kaffarah for Breaking Oath or Breaking Fast, especially during the blessed nights of Laylatul Qadr. In Dhul Hijjah, we are here to help fulfil your duty of performing Qurbani. Whichever cause you choose, choose it with confidence. Insha’Allah.