What is Report + Support?
Report + Support is a confidential online platform, provided by Culture Shift, that enables individuals to raise concerns about unethical conduct or unacceptable behaviours that they have witnessed or experienced.
When making a report, users have the option to remain anonymous or to provide their contact details, depending on their preference.
Why have we introduced Report + Support?
We encourage individuals to raise concerns with their Contact Partner, Line Manager, Head of Department or People Team contact. However, we recognise that individuals may not always feel comfortable to take this step.
Report + Support provides a straightforward way for individuals to report concerns, enabling them to remain anonymous if they wish. When reporting anonymously, the platform enables messaging between the reporter and a member of the People Advisory team, whilst maintaining the reporter’s anonymity.
Report + Support also provides an option to submit a report including your contact details.
Who can make a report?
Anyone who works at the Firm will have access to the platform. This includes Partners, fee earners, business services and anyone who has access to the intranet.
Will my report be anonymous?
If you report anonymously, the information the People Advisory team receive via the Report + Support platform is anonymous.
What happens if I make an anonymous report?
If you prefer to report anonymously, please provide as much information as you feel comfortable sharing.
When submitting an anonymous report, you will be asked if you would like any further communication about your report. If you select yes, you will be provided with an access code so that you can see a copy of your report and have the option to exchange messages with a member of the People Advisory team.
If you chose to opt out of the messaging service, or you do not wish to engage in messaging, our ability to take meaningful steps to support or address the matter may be limited. The information you provide will be used to monitor trends and to inform our proactive and preventative work around unethical conduct and unacceptable behaviour.
Once you have submitted your report, the report will be reviewed and triaged by a member of the People Advisory team. Provided you have not opted out of the messaging service, you will be contacted within two working days to provide support and guidance. Within the messaging service, the People Advisory member will be visible to the you as a ‘case worker’.
What happens if I make a report and share my contact details?
Once you have submitted your report, the report will be reviewed and triaged by a member of the People Advisory team, who will contact you within two working days to provide support and guidance.
Who has access to my report information?
Senior members of the People Advisory team and the firm’s COLP (Paul Haggett) will have access to the platform system. No one external to the firm, including Culture Shift, has access to the system content.
Will I be able to determine what happens with my report?
As a general principle, the decision to progress concerns rests with you. However, we have a duty to protect everyone who works at the Firm, and we may pursue a concern independently if we consider it is appropriate to do so in the circumstances.
What should I do if I need immediate support?
If you need immediate support, please get in touch with your People Team contact. Information on who your People Team contact is can be located on the People Zone of the intranet. Alternatively, you can find further information on the ‘Available Support’ pages of the Report + Support platform.
How long is data stored on the system?
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this notice and in line with our Data Archiving and Retention Policy. Typically, report records are retained for six years from closure, unless a longer period is required for legal, regulatory or safeguarding reasons. After the retention period ends, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
A copy of the privacy notice can be located on the ‘Platform Information’ section of the Report + Support platform.
How are malicious reports managed?
A malicious report is a report or reports, made with the intention to harm someone or others. Malicious reports will be addressed in accordance with the firm’s disciplinary procedures. Such matters are taken seriously and will be managed appropriately.
What happens if I disable my messaging service account?
If you have submitted an anonymous report and have not opted out of the messaging service, you can disable your messaging service account from the Settings tab. This feature allows you to remove your access to the report if you believe your account has been compromised for example. Disabling your account only affects access to that specific report—you will still be able to use the Report + Support platform as normal.