Having an effective whistleblowing framework in place can act as an early warning mechanism to prevent damage as well as detect wrongdoing that may otherwise remain hidden.
It can help ensure the effective application of local and national systems of accountability by allowing those legally responsible for the alleged misconduct the opportunity to address the problem and to account for themselves.
You want to be proactive but are unsure about what to do next? Our team of experts can help you find the right starting point.
Although often overlooked, whistleblowers remain the most prominent source of uncovering fraudulent activities within organisations. Having an effective whistleblowing management system in place will help you respond faster to suspected malpractices.
The Mauritius context
Organisations such as Public Interest Entities (PIE) and Banks have the legal obligation under Section 75 of the Financial Reporting Act to comply to the principles of corporate governance as set out in the National Code of Corporate Governance. (the NCCG).
The NCCG provides for entities to have appropriate whistleblowing procedures in place. According to the Corporate Governance Scorecard assessing the implementation of the NCCG, it was noted that while 71% of companies in Mauritius have a whistleblowing policy in place, many organisations are missing key details in their existing frameworks.
Framework Setting
Designing a detailed whistleblowing framework/Management System that will take into consideration the requirements as per the NCCG and best practices. The framework will include:
- A proper reporting channel for whistleblowing including any specific tool
- Details on how reported information should be handled
- Relevant timelines e.g acknowledgement of information received within 7 days
- Evaluate information provided and decide if an investigation is required
- Details on different scenarios and how each of them are to be handled and investigated
- Designation of accountability at different stages
- A detailed plan on how to raise awareness on the benefits of whistleblowing including any communication/training for employees at different levels.
- Risk assessments
- We conduct thorough risk assessments of your processes to evaluate their effectiveness and deliver detailed reports on our findings to the Board/ Audit Committee.
Training
We help you raise and maintain awareness in your organisation by delivering tailored training for targeted audiences
The PwC Forensic Academy will provide training to targeted clients in accordance with the clients’ needs and specificities within the specific sector where they operate.
Investigate
Our team of experts conducts independent forensic investigation to assess the legitimacy of matters reported, the cause and the financial impact of reported incidents.
Litigation support
We provide expert witness services before all Courts and/or tribunals of the Republic of Mauritius to assist you through litigation procedure.
Framework review
We review your existing whistleblowing framework to identify risk-prone areas and improvement areas based on our understanding of best practices, conventions and prevailing laws and regulations.
Outsourcing
We believe that you should focus on what you do best whilst our team of experts takes charge of all whistleblowing matters for you. We will provide an independent and reliable whistleblowing channel for your organisation and investigate matters reported.
