We are committed to fostering an environment of trust, integrity, and accountability. 

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Whistleblowing

At Le Nouveau Chef, we commit to an environment of trust, integrity, and accountability. Our whistleblowing procedure outlines the possibilities to report concerns related to unethical behaviour, policy violations, or actions conflicting with our principles. Transparency and social responsibility are important values to us. The procedure provides a secure and confidential channel for employees and other stakeholders, within and outside our organization, to voice concerns without fear of reprisal.

Confidentiality
We take confidentiality seriously. Your identity and the details of your report will be handled with the utmost care, ensuring your privacy is protected throughout the process. We encourage open communication and value your commitment to ethical conduct.

Purpose and aim
The purpose of this whistleblowing procedure is to identify, investigate, and address unethical practices promptly. Our aim is to uphold the highest standards of integrity and contribute to a just and sustainable business environment. Aligned with social and environmental principles, we are dedicated to maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct throughout our organization.

Responsible person(s)
A confidential advisor, appointed by the board, oversees the whistleblowing process. This individual ensures impartial, confidential, and discreet handling of reports. Information is shared only when necessary for investigation or with the consent of relevant stakeholders.

For employees and other internal stakeholders, reporting is possible through the feedback box in the HR section of Le Nouveau Chef’s intranet. External stakeholders can share any feedback through Fleur@lenouveauchef.com.

Scope
What can be reported. The whistleblowing procedure applies to reports concerning:

  • Fraud, corruption, or financial misconduct
  • Violations of applicable laws or regulations
  • Serious breaches of Le Nouveau Chef's Code of Ethics
  • Health, safety, or environmental risks
  • Human rights violations or labor abuses in operations or supply chain
  • Misuse of company assets or confidential information
  • Any other serious misconduct that affects the public interest or the integrity of Le Nouveau Chef

This procedure is intended for reports of serious misconduct or wrongdoing that affect the wider public interest.

Process
Whistleblower Process Structure: The whistleblowing process at Le Nouveau Chef includes reporting, initial review, investigation, resolution, and communication. How a report Is handled:

Step 1: Reporting (Anytime)

  • Submit via an email to the confidential advisor: Fleur@lenouveauchef.com
  • Reports may be submitted anonymously
  • Include who was involved, dates, locations, and any evidence
  • If you leave contact details, you'll receive an acknowledgement within 3 working days

Step 2: Initial Review (Within 5 Working Days)

  • The confidential advisor checks the report's credibility and scope
  • If it falls outside scope, you'll be informed and referred to the appropriate procedure

Step 3: Investigation (Within 40 Working Days)

  • An impartial investigation is conducted, including interviews, evidence collection, and fact-finding
  • You'll be kept informed; if it takes longer, you'll receive an updated timeline
  • Maximum total period: 3 months (Wet bescherming klokkenluiders)

Step 4: Resolution (Within 5 Working Days)

  • Appropriate actions are decided, such as corrective measures, policy changes, training, or other steps
  • Where relevant, findings are escalated to the Board of Directors

Step 5: Outcome (Within 5 Working Days)

  • You'll be informed of the outcome and when the matter is resolved
  • Steps are taken to prevent any retaliation against you

The Whistleblowing Procedure is part of our ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in our organization. Upholding high standards of integrity, we believe in an open channel to report concerns and contribute to a just and sustainable business environment.

Protection

  • Anyone who reports a concern in good faith is protected against retaliation. Reporting in good faith means sharing honest information, even if it later proves incorrect.
  • For suppliers and their workers, this means a report will never lead to reduced or cancelled orders, ending the relationship, or any other adverse action.
  • Your identity is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared without your consent, unless legally required. You may also report anonymously.

External Bodies
If our process cannot be used safely or has not led to an adequate response, you may also contact an independent body:

  • House of Whistleblowers, the independent Dutch authority for whistleblower reports: www.huisvoorklokkenluiders.nl
  • Relevant regulatory authorities, depending on the nature of the concern (e.g. Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, Dutch Labour Authority, or the relevant labour or regulatory authority in your own country)

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