The purpose of this policy is to:

• Encourage the reporting of serious wrongdoing

• Protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith

• Support transparency and ethical governance

• Ensure concerns are investigated fairly and appropriately

This policy applies to:

• Directors and governance members

• Management and staff

• Contractors and consultants

• Volunteers

• Contestants and participants

• Partners, sponsors, and affiliates

It applies to concerns relating to:

• Serious misconduct or unethical behaviour

• Safeguarding breaches involving children or vulnerable persons

• Fraud, corruption, or financial misconduct

• Abuse of power or authority

• Serious health & safety breaches

• Significant breaches of Pageanz Worldwide policies

Whistleblowing at Pageanz Worldwide is guided by:

• Confidentiality

• Protection from retaliation

• Fairness and impartiality

• Timely and proportionate response

• Compliance with legal obligations

Concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Criminal or illegal conduct

• Serious policy breaches

• Gross misconduct

• Cover-up of wrongdoing

• Conduct posing serious risk to people or the organisation

This policy is not intended for general grievances or routine complaints, which should be addressed under the Complaints & Disputes Resolution Policy.

Concerns may be reported:

• To senior management

• To the governing body or designated officer

• Through a confidential reporting mechanism where available

Reports may be made anonymously, although this may limit the ability to investigate fully.

Pageanz Worldwide will:

• Take all reasonable steps to protect the identity of the whistleblower

• Limit disclosure to those who need to know

• Store information securely

Confidentiality may be limited where required by law or to prevent serious harm.

Pageanz Worldwide strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Retaliation includes:

• Dismissal or termination

• Demotion or loss of role

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination

• Threats or adverse treatment

Retaliation is a serious breach of policy.

All whistleblower reports will:

• Be assessed promptly

• Be investigated by an impartial person

• Be handled discreetly and professionally

• Follow principles of natural justice

Where appropriate, matters may be referred to external authorities.

Outcomes may include:

• No further action

• Corrective or disciplinary action

• Policy or process changes

• Referral to external agencies

The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome where appropriate and lawful.

Reports made maliciously or in bad faith may result in disciplinary action.

This does not apply to genuine reports made in good faith, even if not substantiated.

All whistleblower reports and investigations will be:

• Documented

• Stored securely

• Managed in accordance with privacy and records management requirements

This policy operates alongside:

• Governance & Management Policy

• Code of Conduct

• Complaints & Disputes Resolution Policy

• Child & Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy

Where overlap exists, the policy offering the highest protection applies.

This policy will be reviewed:

• Every two years

• Following serious whistleblower disclosures

• When legal or organisational changes occur

All individuals engaging with Pageanz Worldwide acknowledge their responsibility to comply with this Whistleblower Policy.