Skip to main content

Grievance and Whistleblower Protection Procedure

Effective Date: July 2026

Applies To: Employees, Clients, Suppliers, Contractors, Partners, and the General Public

Contact: Please send all grievances and whistleblower reports to Senior Management at: speakup@sharesies.com (Subject: “Confidential – Grievance/Whistleblower”)

1. Purpose

Sharesies Australia Limited (“Sharesies”) is committed to operating with the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability. This procedure outlines how stakeholders may raise ethical grievances or report misconduct and the procedures we follow to address these concerns. It also outlines our strict protections for whistleblowers and our zero-tolerance approach to retaliation.

Scope

This procedure applies to all internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to:

  • Employees (full-time, part-time, fixed-term)

  • Contractors

  • Clients and customers

  • Suppliers and vendors

  • Business and community partners

  • Community members or the general public

2. Grievance Mechanism

2.1 What Can Be Reported

Sharesies encourages the reporting of concerns related to:

  • Ethical misconduct (e.g., fraud, corruption, bribery)

  • Human rights violations or abuse

  • Unsafe or illegal workplace behaviour

  • Breaches of our policies, codes of conduct, or third-party obligations

Excluded Issues: Issues not related to Sharesies company conduct, or internal HR/employment matters not relevant to third parties, may not be investigated through this process. 

Sharesies has specific customer complaints processes and mechanisms for complaints about our service to our customers, if you have a customer complaint see the process at https://www.sharesies.com.au/complaints, a customer complaint is not investigated through this process.

2.2 How to Submit a Grievance

You may raise a grievance by sending an email to Senior Management at speakup@sharesies.com (Subject: “Confidential – Grievance/Whistleblower”).

The reporting message should contain details such as a description of the violation, date, time, location, and any supporting evidence.

You may choose to remain anonymous.

3. Grievance Handling Process

3.1 Grievance Handling Process

Stage 1. Acknowledgement Timeline: Within 10 business days A confirmation will be sent to the complainant (unless submitted anonymously).

Stage 2. Initial Review Timeline: Within 15 business days Assess admissibility and assign an Ethics Case Manager.

Stage 3. Investigation Timeline: Within 30 business days A thorough and impartial investigation. Updates provided every 10 business days.

Stage 4. Resolution Timeline: Varies by complexity A written outcome will be shared. If grievance is not accepted, a clear explanation will be provided.

3.2 Responsibilities

  • Case Manager: Assigned to each grievance; manages communication and coordination.

  • Investigative Team: May include internal or external experts, depending on the issue.

  • Senior Leadership: Reviews high-risk or sensitive cases.

3.3 Actions Against Third Parties

If the investigation finds that a third party (e.g., vendor, supplier, client) has acted unethically or illegally, Sharesies may:

  • Terminate the contract or engagement

  • Report the matter to regulatory authorities

  • Prohibit future collaboration

4. Whistleblower Protection procedure

4.1 Protection from Retaliation

Sharesies strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:

  • Termination or demotion

  • Harassment or intimidation

  • Contract cancellation

  • Denial of future work or business

4.2 Consequences for Retaliation

  • Employees: Subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

  • Contractors: Subject to contract, up to and including termination. 

  • Suppliers/Vendors/Clients: Subject to contract, up to and including termination and permanent disqualification.

  • Partners: Subject to contract, up to and including suspension or termination of business relationships.

4.3 Anonymity & Confidentiality

  • Complainants may report anonymously by omitting personal details in email or by post.

  • All reports are handled with strict confidentiality. Identities are only disclosed with consent or when legally required.

  • Access to grievance details is limited to personnel involved in the investigation.

5. Communication and Updates

  • Where a means of communication with the complainant is available:

    • Complainants will receive regular updates on the progress of the grievance .

    • A summary of the findings and actions taken will be shared once the matter is resolved.

    • In cases where the grievance is not investigated, a written explanation will be provided.

6. Review

This procedure will be reviewed as necessary, in response to changes to any applicable Sharesies Policy. or significant legal, regulatory, or organisational changes.