Whistleblowing

The SWDA Whistleblowing channels provide individuals with secure avenues to disclose, in confidence and without fear of reprisal, actual or suspected wrongdoing or impropriety involving SWDA and/or its partners, for appropriate assessment, inquiry or investigation.

Matters That May Be Reported as Whistleblowing

Wrongdoing or impropriety may include, but is not limited, to the following:

• Criminal offences (such as fraud, corruption or theft);
• Misappropriation or misuse of public funds, assets, grants or resources;
• Unauthorised disclosure of classified information to external parties;
• Serious breaches of applicable laws or regulatory requirements;
• Collusion for financial gain;
• Abuse or misrepresentation of power and authority;
• Undeclared or improperly managed conflicts of interest;
• Gross negligence of duty resulting in, or posing a significant risk of, financial, operational or reputational harm to SWDA; and
• Deliberate concealment of wrongdoing, obstruction of investigations, or destruction of evidence.

Matters that are outside the scope of whistleblowing, such as service-level requests or complaints, general enquiries, personal or workplace grievances, and matters under other agencies’ purview, should be raised through the feedback, enquiry or other relevant channels instead. For SWDA-related feedback or enquiries, please use our Contact Us page.

Confidentiality and Protection for Whistleblowers

We encourage whistleblowers to provide their names and contact information, as these may be required for follow-up actions or clarifications. Concerns raised anonymously shall be considered at SWDA’s discretion, taking into consideration the seriousness and credibility of the concerns, as well as the extent these can be substantiated.

All disclosures should be made in good faith and concern actual or suspected wrongdoing within or related to SWDA.

To the extent feasible and permissible under the law, SWDA will make every effort to protect the identity of the whistleblower and maintain the confidentiality of the information provided.

SWDA will not tolerate discrimination, retaliation, or harassment against any whistleblower.

Reporting Channels

You may report actual or suspected wrongdoing or impropriety, with supporting documents where possible through the channels indicated below:

Information to Facilitate Assessment, Inquiry or Investigation

To facilitate SWDA’s assessment, inquiry or investigation of the concerns raised, the following information should be provided, where possible:

• Your name and contact information;
• Name(s) of person(s), company(ies), Training Provider(s), Private Education Institution(s) or other parties involved, including the full name, place of employment and job title for individuals, and company name and Unique Entity Number (UEN) for entities;
• Your relationship with the reported person(s) or organisation(s);
• Description of the incident(s), including date, time, location, course details, methods and actions or behaviour involved;
• Period over which the alleged incident(s) occurred;
• If any SWDA staff had been informed, the notification date and contact information of the person notified; and
• Any physical or material evidence, or other information that may substantiate the concerns and support follow-up actions.
  

What to Expect after a Report is Made

SWDA will acknowledge receipt of your report. Reports received will be assessed for scope and credibility and referred for inquiry or investigation where appropriate. SWDA will not be able to provide updates on the status or outcome of the report.