Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) is committed to ensuring that all the applicable laws, standards, policies and procedures are being followed by all its stakeholders. Undermining any FRA intentions, policies or procedures poses a risk to those associated with the organization and the public at large. It is the responsibility of all individuals concerned to ensure the integrity and safety of both FRA and the public. Where any breaches in these are noted which relates to any FRA activities, FRA encourages concerned parties to whistle blow.

The FRA whistleblower policy provides a guideline for raising, investigating and addressing issues raised of any actual or perceived misconduct while ensuring the safety of the innocent parties.

Definitions

Whistleblowing – the activity of a person revealing information about an activity within a private or public organization that is deemed illegal, immoral, illicit, unsafe or fraudulent and relates to FRA.

Misconduct – any unethical, illegal, fraudulent or improper behavior or action or non-action that violates any laws, regulations, FRA policies or the ethical standards of any profession.

Whistleblower – an individual who provides information and/or evidences on any misconduct.

Confidential – information is restricted to parties as stated in the Whistleblower policy.

Protection

Whistleblower – FRA is committed to ensuring protection for any party which raises a concern against any form of retaliation, harassment, disadvantage, or discrimination. However, this protection can only be ensured if the correct channels of communication is followed.

Alleged – All individuals accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty through an equitable and thorough investigation process.

Anonymity – A whistleblower has the option to remain anonymous and may decline to answer any questions that could reveal their identity. However, if no contact information is provided and the claims made cannot be substantiated with evidence/ credible information during the initial review of the case, the case will be closed without the full investigation.

Reporting Channels

For Whistleblower safety, disclosure should be made through one of the designated whistleblower channels listed below:

  • Completed forms hand delivered to the FRA Office, marked with ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ and addressed to the CEO or the Head of Risk & Compliance.
  • Completed forms can be emailed to wbinfo@fijiroads.org
  • FRA Whistleblower reporting portal in the official FRA website

Whistleblower Reporting

a). Required Information

  • Nature of the Wrong doing
  • Names of the individuals involved
  • The full facts to support the disclosure (including an explanation of how the Whistleblower knows the information provided by the disclosure to be true or likely to be true and details relating to the time and/or place of the alleged wrongdoing if known irrelevant).
  • Credible Information and/or
  • Relevant Evidence

b). Optional

  • Contact Details (Either Phone Number or email)

c). Whistleblower Reporting Form

  • FRA Whistleblower Form [Link]

d). Acknowledgement

FRA will within 3-5 working days acknowledge the receipt of the Whistleblower information.

e). Information on the Progress and Outcome of the Information

FRA may provide updates or the outcome of an investigation if this has been approved by the board. However, FRA is not obligated to provide the details, progress or outcome to a whistleblower. All investigation reports will be reported to the CEO/Board or the relevant line Ministers as necessary and outlined in the policy

Policy Misuse and Breaches

Disciplinary action will be taken against those who misuse the policy or are in breach of the policy. Examples of Policy misuse and breach include but is not limited to:

  • Deliberately false or malicious reporting against any party
  • Taking part in an Investigation where the individual is not independent.
  • Advocating for closure of cases without a thorough investigation.
  • Discriminating against or harassing in any way an alleged party or complainant.
  • Advising any party including the whistleblower of the progress or result of a case without authorization and approval.

Limitations

FRA will not investigate or take action in the following circumstances:

  • The information/complaint does not relate to FRA
  • The matter is of such a nature that it has been escalated to other authorities such as FICAC, Fiji Police Force, Office of the OAG, other relevant Ministries, regulatory bodies etc. In such events, FRA will await the final outcome from these bodies.
  • The complaint is against the board of FRA and the matter has been escalated to the relevant Ministry.
  • The disclosure from the whistleblower does not have any credible information or evidences.

‘Your Voice Can Make a Difference – Keep Fiji’s Roads Safe, Report Now!’