Back to All Sections
5
Reporting Channels & Procedures
Policy Section 6.0
Step 1 of 7
Platform Access (6.1): Available through the AERC website to all staff, contractors, research partners, and stakeholders. Mobile-friendly and accessible 24/7.

Submission Channels (6.2)

Online Form

  • Secure form on AERC website
  • Allows attachment of evidence
  • Managed by independent provider
  • Available anytime, anywhere

Toll-Free Number

  • Toll-free numbers on AERC website
  • Available worldwide
  • Independently managed
  • Voice reporting option
Quick Check
Linda is a research partner based in Nigeria. She wants to submit a whistleblowing report but isn't sure if the platform is available outside of Kenya, where AERC is headquartered.
Who can access the AERC whistleblowing platform?

Internal Reporting Steps (6.3)

STEP 1
Report to Supervisor

If discussions are fruitful, the case can be resolved internally

STEP 2
Online Form or Toll-Free

When internal discussion is not fruitful, inappropriate, or highly confidential

STEP 3
Oral Discussion

Provide your telephone number in the submission to request a call

When should I skip Step 1?
Skip the supervisor if: (1) the supervisor is involved in the wrongdoing, (2) the matter is too sensitive for informal discussion, or (3) you fear retaliation from raising it internally.
Quick Check
Grace witnesses a colleague being harassed by their supervisor during a team meeting. She feels it would be dangerous and inappropriate to raise this with the supervisor directly.
When should Grace use the online form or toll-free number instead of her supervisor?

Choosing the Right Channel

Use Your Supervisor When...

  • The issue can be resolved through discussion
  • You trust your supervisor to act fairly
  • The matter is low-risk and straightforward

Use the Platform When...

  • The supervisor is involved or conflicted
  • The matter is sensitive or high-risk
  • You want to remain anonymous
  • Internal discussion was not fruitful
Prefer voice? Include your telephone number in the online submission form to request an oral discussion with the Designated Officer.
Final Check
Tom tried to discuss a procurement irregularity with his supervisor, but the supervisor dismissed his concerns and told him to "stop causing problems." Tom still believes there is wrongdoing.
What should Tom do next according to the reporting steps?

Key Takeaways

  • Two main channels: secure online form and toll-free telephone numbers — both independently managed
  • Three-step process: (1) supervisor discussion, (2) online form/toll-free if not fruitful, (3) request oral discussion
  • Skip the supervisor when they are involved, the matter is too sensitive, or you fear retaliation
Next up: Investigation & Escalation Matrix