FAQ

1. What is Voluntary Disclosure Management?
   Voluntary disclosure management is the management of information provided through a whistleblower. We specialise in providing a bespoke whistleblowing services designed to meet the needs of our clients.  We offer both a self-service model and a full-service model both of which utilise our unique e-commerce solution for organisations to improve their corporate governance through encouraging whistleblowing.
2. So how does your system work?
   

   Our whistleblowing services provides staff, contractors and or suppliers with the ability to make a disclosure anywhere there is an internet connection and or a phone.  If they choose to remain anonymous our unique system allows for company officers to remain in contact with them whilst maintaining the cloak of anonymity . If the company needs to know more crucial information they have the ability to get in touch with them without compromising their anonymity.  This is unique and overcomes problems associated with the proverbial "letter under the door" or the one off anonymous phone call.

3. So how secure is it?
   

   All disclosures made or entered on our voluntary disclosure website are done using 128 bit SSL encryption. You might already be familiar with this as this system of encryption is used for internet banking and most shopping sites.

4. Who reads my disclosure?
   

   There are a number of options open to clients seeking to use our service, but mostly the client organisation will be notified by either an e-mail and/or SMS that a disclosure has been made which will require them to logon and check the information. It is for the client to deal with the information in that disclosure. Sometimes, clients will prefer to have our company conduct the investigation, but this does vary.  If you have chosen to remain anonymous you can still provide your name, e-mail and mobile telephone number without fear of this being provided to the client organisation - It remains on our servers alone.  This information is used by the site to send you automated e-mails and/or SMS messages to advise you on the progress of your disclosure and any additional requests that there may be in order to resolve the issue.

5. But the person involved might be the person that the disclosure goes to?
   

   Our website performs a check of any names you provide that you believe may be involved in the conduct. If any of these names match with the details of the company officers that are listed to be notified of disclosures, then the information will be sent directly to an alternative officer, or in some instances, our company for action.

6. How much does it cost to access your services?
   

   This is a difficult question to answer in this forum. Other than our Voluntary Disclosure Management Services, we provide all of our services on a professional hourly, or part thereof, billing cycle . Depending upon the nature of the work we undertake, we also have a daily rate. If you would like to know more and have a specific example we encourage you to contact us.

7. So how much would it cost for our organisation to use your Voluntary Disclosure Services?
   

   Costs depend upon the type of service taken up.  The service comprises of the following:

   * Self-Service:

     - Basic

     - SMS Module

     - Hotline Module

   * Full-Service:

     - 1300 Hotline staffed by us

     - 1300 facsmile number to lodge disclosures

     - Use of our disclose website to case manage disclosures

     - SMS Module for notifications

     - PO Box for surface mail disclosures

     - Option for us to manage the entire process from disclosure to investigation

   As a general proposition, the cost of the service depends upon the number of employees you have and the nature of the industry in which you operate as this forms the risk profile of your disclosures. 

   Access to our bespoke whistleblowing services are on an annual basis.  If you would like to know more about the cost of accessing this innovative solution to improve your corporate governance please contact us.

8. Who can use your services?
   

   You don't have to be an internationally listed company to use our services.  As a general proposition, if your business deals in attractive stock, handles cash or is geographically disbursed, then you should be considering a whistleblowing service.

   Our services are competitive and we will tailor a soluton to suit your organisational needs. Contact us today.

9. Why use your services?
   

   We provide a total solution which encompasses both preventative and reactive solutions to the problem of fraud and corruption. We use innovative web based solutions to assist you to improve your corporate governance such as: a secure document exchange to upload sensitive instructions and download final reports.

10. What is corporate governance?
    

    The term has a range of meanings. In general it is concerned with how corporate bodies are held accountable. More particularly it is the process by which a corporation is held accountable to all of its stakeholders.

    It may best be described as a set of principles to ensure corporate direction, responsibility and accountability, and which affects all those who manage. The common feature of most definitions of corporate governance is the focus on the role and function of the board of directors as the body responsible for ensuring the company is accountable for its decisions and its performance.

11. Corporate governance in the private/public sector
    

    The public sector in Australia operates within three distinct levels of democratic government: Federal, State and Local and while many have distinct boundaries there is much overlap and some duplication of responsibility. The role of the Chief Executive Officer is central to effective corporate governance in both the private and public sectors. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible to the Board, the Minister or Council for overall management and performance of the entity and is required to manage the entity in accordance with strategy, plans and policies approved by the Board, Parliament or Council to achieve their goals.

12. So who are the participants in a corporate governance system?
    

    A corporate governance system includes the following participants:

    • Individual directors
    • Board of directors
    • Shareholders
    • Other stakeholders, such as creditors and employees etc.
13. How does it relate to small business?
    

    It is important because it underpins the important role that small business plays in the Australian economic system.  It adds value by improving the efficiency and performance of the small enterprise sector and adds value to an enterprise by: Building a good organization

    • Operating more efficiently
    • Increasing the value of the business
    • Reducing financial, business and operational risk
    • Meeting regulatory requirements
    • Enhancing reputation to customers
    • Assisting in the prevention of fraudulent, dishonest, and unethical behaviour
14. What is risk management?
    

    Risk is inherent in everything we do both at work and at play. We manage risks continuously and an organisation should strive to manage risk in a systemic manner. The alternative to risk management is risky management; making reckless decisions; or decisions that are not based on a careful consideration of the facts. Risky management is not conducive to achieving desired business outcomes.

    Effectively managing risk requires:

    • Analysis of threats and opportunities
    • Rigorous thinking
    • Forward thinking
    • Accountability in decision making
    • Communication
    • Balanced thinking
15. What are the benefits of risk management?
    

    Managing risk is an integral part of good business practice. A structured risk management approach can also enhance the identification of greater opportunities for continuous improvement through innovation.

    Some benefits of risk management can include:

    • Fewer surprises
    • Exploitation of opportunities
    • Improved planning, performance and effectiveness
    • Economy and efficiency
    • Improved stakeholder relationships
    • Improved information for decision making
    • Enhanced reputation
    • Director protection
    • Accountability, assurance and governance
    • Personal wellbeing