Whistleblowing Policy

We and our subsidiary companies are committed to the highest standards of quality, honesty, openness and accountability.  Whistleblowing means deciding to tell somebody official about something that is going on, or you believe is going on, within a company which is illegal or criminal, or that endangers people or the environment, or is against the rules that apply to the business. It is a very serious thing to do and can have wide ranging consequences.

Sometimes people feel they can't speak openly and honestly to their managers and they are concerned about the consequences if they speak up or that their concerns will not be taken seriously.  However, National Express does not believe that it is in anyone's interest for employees with knowledge of wrongdoing to remain silent.

We don't take these matters lightly, and we will take the lead in investigating all genuine complaints thoroughly.  We will work together with the appropriate people to find an answer to the problem.

It is impossible to give an exhaustive list of the activities that constitute misconduct or malpractice but, broadly speaking we would expect people to report the following:

• Criminal offences;
• Failure to comply with legal obligations;
• Harassment and victimisation;
• Actions which endanger the health or safety of employees or the public;
• Actions which cause damage to the environment; and
• Actions which are intended to conceal any of the above.

People who raise a genuine concern under this policy will not be at risk of losing their job or suffering any form of retribution or harassment as a result.  Providing they are acting in good faith, it does not matter if they are mistaken.  This policy does not, however, extend to anyone who maliciously raises a concern that they know is untrue.

We hope this policy gives our people the reassurances they need to raise concerns internally but if they still feel uneasy, we would rather they raised a concern with the appropriate regulator than not at all.  Provided they are acting in good faith and they have evidence to back up their concerns, they can also contact:

• Health and Safety Executive
• Rail Regulator
• Environment Agency
• Financial Services Authority
• Office of Fair Trading