WHISTLEBLOWING PRINCIPLE

AEDC Plc has introduced whistleblowing platform which provides Employees, Customers and other Stakeholders mechanism to report unlawful actions such as theft, extortion, illegal connections, vandalism and any other malpractices. AED Plc wishes to encourage employees, Customers and Stakeholders to use this platform to report any such malpractices.

Kindly be assured that all information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

• What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is an anonymous and confidential medium of raising concern or drawing attention to any wrongdoing, risk or malpractice concerning any person acting under certain authority internally and/or externally.

• What kind of concerns can be reported through AEDC whistleblowing channel?
• All forms of financial malpractices or misconduct such as fraud, corruption, bribery, theft, false representation, extortion, harassment, intimidation, abuse of authority, suppression etc.
• Actions detrimental to health, safety and security of lives, equipment and the work environment.
• Improper conduct or unethical behaviour regarding integrity, mutual respect, honesty, accountability, and fairness.
• Demand for payment or gratification in any form (cash or kind) for services rendered by staff of AEDC on behalf of AEDC.
• All forms of Insider abuse. e.g., AED staff deliberately allowing an indebted customer to continue to enjoy power supply without making payments for unreasonable length of time.
• Failure to comply with ALL legal obligations, statutes, and regulatory directives.
• Non-consensual sexual or physical abuse of staff, customers, prospective staff, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• All forms of sabotage, theft, destruction, disruption or any similar act against any asset of AEDC, diversion and unlawful possession, distribution, trading and/or utilization of any AEDC product and/or service including but not limited to meters, distribution lines, connection, fault resolution, line extension etc.
• Any presentation or representation considered not to be representative of the mission, vision, core values and principle for which AEDC stands.
• All forms of discrimination, negligence, conflict of interest, acts of retaliation of a whistle-blower and attempt to conceal any of the above listed acts.

• How can I report suspected misconduct anonymously?

Reports of improper activity by staff and customers can be made anonymously by calling the contact centre number 0803-907-0070 or through our social media handles. However, anonymous reports are often difficult to investigate if the caller has not provided enough information. Therefore, it is advisable that you provide concrete information to assist a successful investigation.

• Will my report be kept confidential?

Yes. AEDC Whistleblowing Policy states that “The Company will treat in strict confidence any concerns raised by employees and other stakeholders regarding actual or potential infraction of the Company’s Corporate Business Principles, other ethics related policies, processes and procedures”. This is achieved by ensuring that only designated parties handle your concerns.

• What level of Management’s support does the Whistleblowing program have?

The AEDC Board of Directors is committed to making this work. Likewise, the Managing Director/CEO and all members of the Executive Management Team (EMT) are committed to the implementation of the whistleblowing initiative.

• Will a Whistle-blower be involved in any investigation?

To protect the identity of the Whistle-blower, the Whistle-blower will not be involved in any investigation. However, Whistle-blowers should endeavour to provide all relevant details required to establish and resolve any reported concern.

• How am I protected from retaliation if I report suspected improper activity?

To reduce the likelihood of retaliation, wrongdoing are only reported to those who are authorized to see it as part of the investigation into the matter. The names of those reporting suspected wrong doings are kept confidential.

• How can I whistle blow?

Concerns are raised either by calling the whistleblowing hotline or in writing. However, if the concern is expressed in writing, you should set the background and history of the concern. Name(s) of persons suspected to be associated with the perceived wrongdoing, date(s) and place(s) (if known) should be given. This would be helpful in the investigation and establishing of the truth of the complaint. In order to ensure the confidentiality of your expression, kindly send your letter/written note in a sealed envelope addressed to the Chief Internal Auditor and clearly marked “Strictly Private and Confidential – To be opened by Addressee Only” or any designated officer.

• Is the whistle-blower entitled to a reward?

Whistle-blowers are acknowledged as a critical part of our commitment to ensure that the right and proper things are done always. There is no direct reward for whistleblowing as stated in the policy. However, the company is dedicated to protecting the identity of whistle-blowers. The company encourages anyone who notices a wrongdoing as stated above to endeavour to report it.