Carmarthenshire News Online is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism. We encourage all employees, contributors, and partners to raise serious concerns regarding any aspect of our work.

The preferred method of raising a concern is directly with Carmarthenshire News Online. When this is not practical, individuals are encouraged to contact the confidential IMPRESS Whistleblowing Hotline
. Contact details for the hotline are provided below and are communicated to all employees and contributors.

This policy applies to all employees and contributors, whether paid, unpaid, temporary, or permanent.

Whistle Blowing Policy – Policy Aim

The purpose of this policy is to provide a confidential and safe channel for raising concerns and to ensure feedback is given on any resulting action. Carmarthenshire News Online guarantees to protect whistleblowers from reprisals, victimization, or sanctions when disclosures are made in good faith.

For clarity, using the IMPRESS whistleblowing hotline will never disadvantage employees or contributors. Our compliance aligns with the IMPRESS Regulatory Scheme

Whistle Blowing Policy – Examples of Concerns

Whistleblowers may report concerns including, but not limited to:

Conduct that is illegal or breaches the law

Breaches of the Standards Code

Actions encouraging others to violate the Standards Code

Unethical behavior undermining journalistic principles

Safeguards for Whistleblowers

We understand that reporting misconduct can be difficult. Individuals reporting in good faith are fully protected:

No harassment or victimization will be tolerated.

Allegations made in good faith that are unconfirmed will not result in disciplinary action.

Malicious or knowingly false allegations may result in disciplinary measures.

Whistle Blowing Policy – Confidentiality

All concerns are treated confidentially. The whistleblower’s identity will only be disclosed with consent, except where required by law or an adjudicating panel, tribunal, or court.

Whistleblowers must:

Act in good faith

Believe their disclosure to be substantially true

Avoid making malicious or false allegations

Not seek personal gain

Whistle Blowing Policy – How to Raise a Concern

Direct Disclosure: Raise concerns openly with the Legal and Compliance Representative, Angharad Evans, Secretary of Carmarthenshire News Online.

Third-Party Disclosure: For serious concerns, whistleblowers may contact independent third parties for advice and investigation.

IMPRESS Whistle Blowing Policy Hotline:

Phone: 0800 221 8548

Operated by: Public Concern at Work

Website: www.pcaw.co.uk

Carmarthenshire News Online, regulated by IMPRESS, ensures all employees and contributors can safely report breaches of journalistic standards.