a A Whistle-blower who is aware of any suspected improper or inappropriate practice and misconduct of an employee, Council member or contractor of the Town Council, shall make a written report in a sealed envelope marked “Private & Confidential, as soon as possible, send to Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee at:

• Blk 441A Clementi Avenue 3, #02-01, Singapore 121441

bThe Whistle-blower may also email the matter directly to Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee at whistleblowing@wctc.org.sg. This email will only be accessed by the Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee.For municipal and maintenance issues, please contact the Town Council directly at wctccl@wctc.org.sg or wctcbl@wctc.org.sg so that your maintenance feedback can be attended to promptly.

cThe content of the mailed report / email should include the following:

• The name and address of the Whistle-blower

• The time and date that the alleged act took place

• Clear description of the alleged act

• Documentary / audio / visual evidence of the alleged act committed (if available)

d The Whistle-blower is expected to identify himself/herself when raising a concern. This will enhance the authenticity, accountability and effectiveness of the investigation, and facilitate feedback to the Whistle-blower. It must be appreciated that the investigation process may sometimes require the Whistle-blower who reported a concern, to render assistance in the investigation.

eAny concerns raised in accordance with this Policy shall be treated with strict confidentiality and investigated.

f The Whistle-blower who reported a concern, which is subsequently found to be unsubstantiated, shall not be subject to any disciplinary action, if the concern was reported in good faith.

g However, if the Whistle-blower makes a malicious, frivolous and vexatious allegation or make an allegation for personal gain, he/she may be subject to disciplinary action or reported to the Police.

a Upon receipt of a report on suspected improper or inappropriate practice and misconduct, Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee shall initiate an investigation. An Officer or a Town Councillor directed by the Chairman will lead the investigation. Where necessary, the investigation team shall consult and seek legal advice. Where criminal offence and corruption are involved, the matter may be referred to the Police or the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

bThe investigation team shall handle all matters with confidentiality and complete the investigation. All documents received by the investigation team shall be recorded and filed.

cTo safeguard against possibility of bias, prejudice or conflict of interest, the person being complained shall not be participating/involved in the investigation team.

dUpon completion of the investigation, the report shall be submitted to the Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee. The Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee shall review and evaluate the findings. If the Chairman/Chairperson of Town Council, Town Council Secretary or Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee is/are not satisfied with the findings, he has the right to either:

• Direct a fresh investigation or request that further investigation be conducted by the same investigation team, or appoint a fresh team of investigators;

• Conduct his own investigation

eIf the improper or inappropriate practice and misconduct is proven, the Chairman of Town Council shall decide on the appropriate course of action to be taken against the employee, Council member or contractor found guilty of the improper or inappropriate practice and misconduct, which may be any one of the following:

• Reprimand, take disciplinary action, impose punishment

• Transfer employee to another department or office

• Termination or suspension of employment or appointment

• Report matter to relevant authorities

• Any other action deemed appropriate by the Town Council

fThe decision on the corrective actions to be taken and the action taken against the person(s) found to have committed the improper or inappropriate practice and misconduct shall be communicated in writing to the Whistle-blower.

gWhere the concern raised by the Whistle-blower relates to the Town Council Chairman or Vice Chairman, it will be referred to Town Council Secretary and Chairman/Chairperson of Audit Committee, who will be responsible to commission the investigation and decide on how the investigation is to proceed.