WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY OF VT

1. Vision Trust is committed to the highest possible openness, integrity, and accountability standards. In line with that commitment, VT expects employees and others it deals with who have serious concerns about any aspect of its work to come forward and voice those concerns.
2. This policy aims to promote greater openness in the workplace and encourage all individuals to disclose any malpractice or wrongdoings that may adversely impact VT immediately. In addition, this policy will enable the Committee to discharge its responsibilities of establishing procedures for the receipt, retention, independent investigation and appropriate follow-up action on complaints received regarding accounting, internal controls, auditing or other matters.
3. An important aspect of accountability and transparency is a mechanism that enables all individuals to feel confident in their ability to voice concerns internally, responsibly, and effectively when they discover information that they believe shows malpractice or wrongdoing. Any person raising such concern shall be referred to as a Whistleblower.
4. Therefore, the Whistle Blowing Policy is fundamental to enhancing professional integrity and providing avenues for individuals to raise concerns and receive feedback on any action confidently. In addition, it reinforces the value VT places on stakeholders to be honest and respected members of their professions. It provides a method of adequately addressing bonafide concerns that individuals within VT might have while offering Whistle Blowers protection from victimization, harassment or disciplinary proceedings. The policy, however, discourages employees and other stakeholders from making complaints with malicious intent. Other stakeholders for this purpose include vendors, customers and shareholders.
5. Areas in which concerns can be raised

Specific examples of circumstances where a WhistleBlower can raise concerns could include but shall not be limited to:

Financial Fraud

• Misappropriation of funds
• Accounting irregularities
• Insider trading

Corruption

• Bribery
• Kickbacks
• Embezzlement

Environmental Violations

• Illegal dumping
• Pollution
• Failure to adhere to environmental regulations

Workplace Safety Issues

• Lack of proper safety equipment
• Ignoring safety protocols
• Unsafe working conditions

Discrimination

• Racial discrimination
• Gender discrimination
• Age discrimination

Unethical Behavior

• Fraudulent practices
• Conflicts of interest
• Misuse of authority

Chewing Gutka

• Violation of health regulations
• Unsanitary practices
• Endangering public health

If you observe any of our employees engaging in the consumption of gutka, please inform us immediately.

Abusive Language or Behavior

• Harassment
• Bullying
• Intimidation

Confidentiality Breaches:

• Unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information
• Breach of confidentiality agreements
• Sharing proprietary data without consent

Misuse of Property

• Theft or misappropriation of company resources
• Unauthorised personal use of company property
• Damage or destruction of company assets without justification

Misuse of Authority

• Abuse of power for personal gain
• Favoritism or nepotism in decision-making
• Retaliation against employees who report misconduct

Vendors and customers can also whistle for malpractices and wrongdoings adversely affecting VT. However, routine vendor grievances and disputes over delays in delivery, payments, etc., will still be dealt with through normal management channels. Similarly, customer complaints will also be handled by the relevant department.

Confidentiality

VT will try to keep the individual's identity confidential, raising a concern if the individual desires. In this case, the identity of the individual raising the problem or making the report will not be revealed without his/her prior permission unless VT is required to reveal the individual's identity by law. 

Where there are deliberate false allegations, no matter how minor, disciplinary actions in the case of employees, blacklisting, and/or legal action for defamation may be taken against the Whistle Blower.

Support

VT recognises that the decision to report a concern is not accessible due to the fear of reprisals from those potentially affected.

VT will not tolerate harassment, victimisation or undue disciplinary actions and will take any action that is appropriate to protect a Whistle Blower who makes a report in good faith under this policy even if it turns out not to be true after investigations provided that:

• The report was made in good faith;
• The Whistle Blower had reasonable grounds to believe that the report was accurate;
• The Whistle Blower did not make the report for personal gains.

Whilst all steps will be taken to keep confidential the identity of the individual raising a concern, necessary support actions that may need to be taken may include formal notifications by Human Resources (HR) to the relevant functions to protect the job environment of the Whistleblower should he/she be identified.

Similarly, stakeholders other than employees will be provided with the necessary support, such as protection against reprisals or discrimination, subject to fulfilling the above mentioned conditions for whistle-blowing.

How to raise concerns

Individuals who witness or learn of a potential violation, as explained, can report this matter directly using any of the following channels:

• Email us to: info@visiontrust.pk
• By speaking directly to the confidential line on the telephone/Whatsapp number +92 3313747705
• Fill this form out: https://forms.gle/Bmg7ChBgqBCpJ7Qw8 

                                                          OR

Send a letter to the CEO—VT at add 1107-South, Lakhani Presidency, Callachi Cooperative Housing Society, Dalmia Cement Factory Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi-75300, Pakistan.