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Definition, Scope & Categories
Policy Section 2.0
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Definition: Whistleblowing is the act of reporting any suspected wrongdoing within an organization to a person of authority, internally or externally. Also known as "making a disclosure in the public interest."

Who Does This Policy Apply To?

Employees Contractors Suppliers Service Providers Network Members Research Partners All Stakeholders
Did you know?
Even ex-employees and visiting researchers can submit whistleblowing reports. The policy is designed to be as inclusive as possible to ensure no wrongdoing goes unreported.
Quick Check
James is a visiting research fellow at AERC. He overhears two staff members discussing how they routinely accept expensive gifts from a vendor. James wants to report this but wonders whether, as a non-employee, he is even allowed to.
Can James, as a visiting research fellow, submit a whistleblowing report?

Reportable Categories Click each card to learn more

Safeguarding
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Concerns per AERC Safeguarding Policy — abuse, exploitation, or harm

Financial Misconduct
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Misuse of funds, fraud, financial mismanagement, embezzlement

Research Misconduct
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Data falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, or academic fraud

Harassment
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Sexual, racial, or gender-based harassment and discrimination

Bribery & Corruption
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Unethical gifts, kickbacks, influencing decisions improperly

Conflict of Interest
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Personal interests conflicting with professional duties or decisions

Policy Violations
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Breaches of codes of conduct, internal policies, or procedures

Unethical Conduct
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Abuse of power, favouritism, theft, or misrepresentation

Quick Check
Sarah, a programme assistant, discovers that a senior colleague has been submitting travel claims for trips that never happened. She is unsure whether this type of concern is reportable.
Is submitting false travel claims a reportable offence under the policy?

Scope & Applicability

What IS Covered

  • Suspected wrongdoing of any kind
  • Reports from any stakeholder
  • Both internal and external reporting
  • Anonymous submissions welcome

What is NOT Covered

  • Personal grievances (use HR process)
  • Routine performance complaints
  • Salary or benefits disputes
  • Malicious or bad-faith reports
Key distinction: Whistleblowing is about reporting wrongdoing that affects the organization or public interest — not personal disputes.
Final Check
A group of AERC stakeholders are discussing who is allowed to file a whistleblowing report. One person claims only senior staff can do it. Another argues anyone connected to AERC can report.
Who can submit a whistleblowing report under AERC's policy?

Key Takeaways

  • Whistleblowing means reporting suspected wrongdoing to a person of authority — also called "disclosure in the public interest"
  • Everyone connected to AERC can report: employees, contractors, suppliers, network members, and all stakeholders
  • 8 reportable categories cover safeguarding, financial misconduct, research misconduct, harassment, bribery, conflict of interest, policy violations, and unethical conduct
Next up: Policy Objectives & Guiding Principles