Whistleblower Policy

Why this exists

Restore the Legacy operates through partnerships with communities, researchers, donors, and organisations across different countries.

 

Because our work involves environmental restoration, funding relationships, and project implementation, situations may arise where personal, financial, or professional interests could influence decision-making.

 

This policy ensures that all decisions are made in the best interest of the organisation, its mission, and the ecosystems and communities we serve.

Transparency protects both the organisation and the individuals working within it.

 

 

What we mean by conflict of interest

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal, financial, or professional interests could influence, or appear to influence, their ability to act objectively on behalf of Restore the Legacy.

 

Conflicts may be actual, potential, or perceived.

 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Financial interests in a company that may receive contracts or funding from Restore the Legacy

• Personal relationships that could influence organisational decisions

• Board members or advisors involved in organisations that partner with Restore the Legacy

• Receiving personal benefits related to organisational decisions

• Participation in decisions where an individual may gain directly or indirectly

 

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to:

• Board members

• Advisors and advisory council members

• Employees and consultants

• Volunteers involved in organisational decision-making
   

All individuals are expected to act with integrity and transparency.

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Disclosure requirements

Individuals must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest as soon as it becomes known.

 

Disclosures should be made to organisational leadership before any related decision or action takes place.

 

The purpose of disclosure is not to prohibit relationships or collaboration, but to ensure transparency and responsible governance.

 

 

Managing conflicts of interest

When a conflict is identified, the organisation may take one or more of the following steps:

• Request additional information

• Document the disclosure

• Require the individual to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions related to the matter

• Assign the decision to another responsible party

• Implement additional safeguards to ensure impartiality
   

The appropriate response will depend on the nature and severity of the conflict.

 

 

Documentation

Disclosed conflicts of interest and the steps taken to manage them may be documented internally as part of Restore the Legacy’s governance and risk management processes.

 

 

Commitment

Restore the Legacy believes that conflicts of interest are not inherently unethical, but failing to disclose them can undermine trust.

Our approach is based on transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making, ensuring that the organisation’s mission and integrity always come first.