Security Risk Management Ltd (SRM), a risk management services firm, is offering an ‘Employee Action Line’, a confidential phone service to tyre wholesaler Stapletons’ 800 staff, offering them the chance to raise any concerns relating to illegal or improper behaviour in the workplace.
The line will allow staff to report any activities that may endanger the health and safety of employees or the public, or which may damage the environment. Staff will also be urged to use the hotline in the event of inappropriate behaviour on the part of another worker, or to report criminal offences such as fraud or corruption, or failure to comply with legal obligations.
Stephen Brown, Managing Director, Security Risk Management Ltd, says: “A lot of people who don’t feel comfortable discussing their concerns in a face-to-face environment will now be able to phone the Employee Action Line, instead. As such, Stapletons’ employees will benefit from having a safer working environment, whilst the company is able to reduce losses from misconduct, demonstrate due diligence, and prevent unacceptable behaviour."
As part of the Japanese Itochu Corporation, Stapletons is a UK tyre wholesaler, providing tyres to independent tyre dealers and car dealerships, and operating more than 50 retail centres. The company was ISO9002 accredited in 1998, and has Investors in People accreditation across the company.
The line, SRM add, will take calls from staff who feel that, for any reason, they are unable to talk to their line manager about issues in the workplace. These can include abuse of authority, theft or fraudulent activity, law, rule or regulation breaking, health and safety in the workplace issues, waste of company funds, or dangers to public health or safety. No calls will be recorded. After a call has been made, a report will be logged by SRM within 24 hours, and an investigation undertaken by Stapletons’ head office at Letchworth.
Alan Denton, Chief Operating Officer, Stapletons, said: “The new service is part of our commitment to ensure our employees’ concerns can be heard at every level. As a business, we know that it is sometimes not easy for employees to speak about their concerns with line managers. As such, the introduction of this new facility will provide another avenue for employees to communicate with the business."
As part of SRM’s overall operational risk mitigation portfolio, its confidential call handling – or ‘whistle-blowing’ service – allows companies to implement an independent anonymous hotline as a risk-free way to report illegal or unethical activity, whilst also providing an anonymous reporting mechanism that will help companies to comply with the latest corporate governance regulations and legislation, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
About Security Risk Management Ltd
Security Risk Management Ltd offers risk management, Information Security Management Services, Enterprise Examinations, Business Continuity, Corporate Investigations, Personnel Screening, BS7799 Implementations and specialised training.
