Whistle Blower Policy

Title Whistle Blower Policy	Institution NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED TECHNICAL & MANAGEMENT STUDIES	Website niatm-edu.com
Email info@niatm-edu.com	Short Name NIATM	Policy Type Whistle Blower Policy

A. Policy Statement

As a recognized institute, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED TECHNICAL & MANAGEMENT STUDIES (NIATM) seeks to ensure proximity to the end-user, that is, the learner, so that the learner receives appropriate services and support during studies and education with the institute.

To support this objective, NIATM may also appoint or work with centres, associates, or support points in different regions depending on where the probability of enrolment of learners is higher. Such centres or support structures help the institute stay connected with learners more closely.

NIATM encourages right practice, correct process, and compliance with all academic, institutional, and regulatory requirements in order to deliver qualifications, certifications, and educational services properly. NIATM also encourages any individual, party, associate, learner, staff member, or even non-associated person to bring to the notice of the institute any issue that may appear inappropriate, any non-compliance, or any series of non-compliances so that corrective or further action may be taken.

This includes concerns relating to:

• Malpractice and maladministration by any stakeholder, approved centre, or learner.
• Any concern related to corruption.
• Any operational non-compliance.
• Any integrity or governance-related non-compliance.
• Any concern related to financial integrity which directly or indirectly affects policy or process compliance or threatens the interests of learners.
• Any concern related to abuse.
• Any concern related to environmental protection.
• Health and safety of an individual.
• Any illegal or criminal activity.
• Any act or comment which is racial, sexual, disability-related, or related to any other discrimination.
• Any unethical conduct.

B. Objectives of Policy

This policy is intended to ensure that:

• The whistle blowers are protected.
• The whistle blowers’ identity remains confidential wherever requested and possible.
• Appropriate investigation is conducted for the concern raised.
• Where applicable, action is taken for reported non-compliance.
• Institutional, academic, and governance compliance is maintained in the public interest.

C. Definitions

Whistleblowing

In this policy, whistleblowing means reporting an act of non-compliance, illegal activity, wrongdoing, misconduct, or serious concern applicable to NIATM, its centres, its associates, or its learners to the institute for investigation and action.

D. Whistle Blowers

This policy applies to all:

• Employees of NIATM and its stakeholders.
• Employees of NIATM-approved or associated centres and their stakeholders.

In many instances, the whistle may also be blown by:

• Contractors of the institute and approved centres.
• Learners studying in NIATM.
• Learners studying in approved or associated centres.
• NIATM staff members.

In the case of contractors, learners, and other reporting persons, the investigation shall be processed appropriately considering the seriousness of the allegation or concern and in accordance with the applicable institutional policies.

E. What Should Be Reported

Whistle blowers are encouraged to report any critical concerns related to the matters described in this policy which potentially harm the interests of learners, the identity or brand image of NIATM, the integrity of qualification criteria, the compliance of institutional policies, or the credibility and standards expected of the institute.

The reporting additionally includes any concern or series of concerns where:

• Any arrangement or compliance falls below required standards.
• Any action or activity causes serious concern in terms of accepted academic, institutional, or public standards.
• There is non-compliance with NIATM policy or any policy agreed by the institute.
• There is unreasonable or unacceptable behaviour.

F. Protecting the Whistle Blower

This policy is written to protect workers and reporting persons making disclosures about certain issues in the public interest. Disclosures should be made honestly, responsibly, and in good faith in accordance with the applicable principles of public-interest reporting and institutional protection.

G. To Protect the Whistle Blower, NIATM

• Encourages confidential reporting if the whistle blower requests confidentiality.
• Documents confidentiality and keeps the identity secret to the extent reasonably possible.
• Treats all disclosures seriously and consistently.
• Ensures that feedback is provided to the whistle blower wherever appropriate.
• Provides support to the whistle blower through appropriate guidance or counselling where needed.
• Reassures that the position or work of the whistle blower will not be adversely affected merely because of the disclosure made in good faith.
• Ensures proper investigation against the allegation and a fair decision in relation to the disclosure made.
• Ensures no harassment or victimization of a whistle blower, including informal treatment or pressure.
• Ensures support from senior management wherever required.

NIATM encourages whistle blowers to come forward if they believe that the disclosure is true in nature and relates to serious non-compliance. They should not fear reporting because such action is taken in the interest of institutional standards, learner protection, and the public interest, when done honestly and in good faith.

H. Confidentiality and Anonymous Allegations

NIATM ensures to keep the identity of the whistle blower confidential if the whistle blower wishes so. If the investigation is followed by disciplinary or other proceedings, the identity may need to be disclosed in order to support the investigation. If the whistle blower agrees to it, appropriate support will be provided.

The policy encourages reporting persons to mention their name. Anonymous allegations may delay investigation and feedback because of the need to evaluate the fairness, seriousness, and credibility of the allegation.

In such cases, NIATM may consider factors such as:

• The seriousness of the allegation or issue.
• Its credibility.
• Supporting evidence available to analyze the fairness of the allegation or issue.
• Consistency of the allegation or issue.

I. How to Raise a Concern

A concern may be raised by telephone call, email, written communication, or in person through an appropriate institutional channel.

It should include information such as:

• Detailed information about the concern, including its nature, date, frequency, and impact.
• The reason why the whistle blower believes the matter to be true.
• Where possible, any explanation, demonstration, or material showing the wrongdoing, malpractice, or non-compliance raised.

J. What Is Next

After acknowledgement and documentation of the concern, NIATM will ensure that the matter is investigated considering the seriousness, available evidence, and relevant policy framework, in accordance with the institute’s investigation process and other applicable policies.

Feedback should be shared with the whistle blower wherever appropriate and to the extent reasonably possible without compromising confidentiality, due process, or legal obligations.

K. Concern Person to Report the Concern

All concerns related to whistleblowing should be reported to the appropriate HR authority, responsible officer, or designated institutional authority of NIATM through the official reporting channels.

For official communication, concerns may be submitted to:

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED TECHNICAL & MANAGEMENT STUDIES (NIATM)
Website: niatm-edu.com
Email: info@niatm-edu.com