Legal · Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing Policy
If you see something wrong — fraud, bribery, modern slavery, sanctions breach, danger to safety, environmental harm — you can report it confidentially. Protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Anyone can report: staff, contractors, carriers, customers, public. We investigate fairly. We never retaliate.
Who can use it
Anyone — employees, contractors, consultants, agency workers, carriers, agents, customs brokers, suppliers, customers, members of the public. You can report whether or not directly affected, whether or not based in the UK.
What you can report
Fraud / financial crime, bribery / corruption, sanctions / AML breach, modern slavery / trafficking, customs / trade offences, health and safety risks, environmental harm, data protection breach, discrimination / harassment, AI misuse, breach of policy, cover-up of any of the above. You can report suspected wrongdoing — you don't need proof. Report in good faith.
How to report — confidential channels
Email [email protected] (Director-only, monitored daily) · [email protected] (modern slavery) · [email protected] (data concerns) · Post: marked 'Confidential — Whistleblowing', Taurex Freight Ltd, 15 Cooper Street, Leicester, LE4 5BL · Phone: +44 116 483 0483 (ask for the Director, mention 'confidential disclosure') · External: UK Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700 · ICO 0303 123 1113 · OFSI online · NCA SAR portal · Action Fraud 0300 123 2040. Anonymous reports accepted on all channels.
What happens next
Acknowledge within 2 working days (if contact given). Initial review and triage within 5 working days. Decision on investigation within 10 working days. Full investigation target 30 days. Outcome notified within 14 days of closure (subject to confidentiality). Action — disciplinary / contractual / legal / regulator report — without delay once decided. We may involve external advisors (lawyers, accountants, forensic specialists) for serious matters.
Confidentiality and protection
Reporter identity protected to maximum extent consistent with investigation. Held by Director or DPO only. Shared only with those who need to know. Where external reporting required by law (e.g. SAR to NCA), only necessary information disclosed. Retaliation against a whistleblower is a disciplinary offence and grounds for dismissal — retaliation includes disciplinary action, demotion, reduced pay, termination, harassment, negative references. PIDA gives you the right to sue for compensation if you suffer detriment for protected disclosure.
Statutory rights — PIDA 1998
You are a 'protected whistleblower' if you make a 'qualifying disclosure' — information you reasonably believe shows a criminal offence, failure to comply with legal obligation, miscarriage of justice, danger to health and safety, environmental damage, or deliberate cover-up. Disclose internally (Taurex), to a prescribed person (regulator), or externally where internal would lead to retaliation / evidence destruction / no action. You don't have to prove the wrongdoing — reasonable belief is enough.
External help
Protect (UK whistleblowing charity): 020 3117 2520 · protect-advice.org.uk · Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133 · ACAS (employment matters): 0300 123 1100. These can advise confidentially before, during, or after disclosure.
Last reviewed 2026-06-06.