Whistleblower Services

ACC is seeking to procure independent Whistleblower services (the Services) to support its obligations under the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 (the Act). The Act requires public sector organisations to establish and maintain appropriate internal procedures for managing protected disclosures. These procedures must be clearly communicated; widely and regularly published to ensure accessibility for all ACC personnel and non-ACC individuals who make disclosures (collectively referred to as “Disclosers”). The Services must enable the secure and confidential reporting of serious or potential wrongdoing whilst safeguarding the identity and wellbeing of all Disclosers. The objective is to foster an authentic and high-trust dialogue between Disclosers and ACC, encouraging individuals to feel acknowledged, respected, and safe. To this end, it is imperative that core services are delivered through direct human interaction, with a strong emphasis on empathy and understanding. Engagement should avoid impersonal and automated interactions, as genuine connection is best established through human engagement rather than automated systems. In addition, the successful provider must offer a robust and secure platform that allows ACC to communicate effectively with Disclosers. This includes the ability to: Receive and clarify information relevant to the disclosure Communicate investigative pathways, progress, and outcomes Ensure the protection of Disclosers’ anonymity and wellbeing throughout the process To meet the obligations under the Act, the platform must be actively monitored and managed by the service provider to ensure compliance, confidentiality, and integrity of the disclosure process.