Whistleblowing Policy & Channel

Purpose

The Institute provides a secure channel for personnel, partners, suppliers and external stakeholders to raise concerns about wrongdoing, without fear of retaliation.

What to report

• Breaches of law, including fraud, bribery, money-laundering and sanctions violations
• Breaches of the Code of Ethics or other Institute policies
• Threats to public interest, health, safety or the environment
• Harassment, discrimination or abuse

How to report

• Secure email. whistleblowing@kstinstitute.com — monitored only by the Ethics & Integrity Committee.
• Dedicated web form. Available at contact.html with end-to-end encryption — anonymous reports accepted.
• Registered letter. Marked "Confidential — Ethics & Integrity Committee" to the Institute's headquarters.
• External channels. In line with EU Directive 2019/1937, reports may also be made to competent national authorities.

Confidentiality

The identity of the reporter and the content of reports are protected. Access is limited to the Ethics & Integrity Committee and authorised investigators, bound by confidentiality.

Non-retaliation

The Institute prohibits retaliation in any form — dismissal, demotion, reassignment, harassment, informal sanctions. Reports of retaliation are investigated with priority and treated as a breach of the Code of Ethics.

Handling process

1. Acknowledgement. Within 7 days.
2. Triage. Initial assessment by the Ethics & Integrity Committee.
3. Investigation. By an independent investigator, internal or external.
4. Feedback. Within 3 months, with an update on handling and (subject to confidentiality) on outcomes.
5. Remediation. Disciplinary action, policy correction, or referral to authorities as appropriate.