Speaking up

At AIA, we place great importance on fostering a culture that encourages people to speak up about issues or conduct that concerns them. This could be anything from serious misconduct to noticing something which just doesn't feel quite right.

We encourage everyone who works with AIA to speak up, while providing them with trusted avenues to go to if they want to raise a concern. This could be as simple as one of our employees having an informal discussion with their manager, through to using the formal channels. The AIA Ethics and Compliance service includes an independent, externally managed 24-hour phone line and website which are both dedicated to reporting suspected or actual misconduct.  

The Board and senior management encourage people to speak up and report any conduct they believe to be inappropriate. To make this as simple as possible, processes have been put in place to provide the appropriate support to those who raise concerns. Identifying potential problems and risks allows AIA to continue to improve the way we do business and provide the best possible service to our customers.

The AIA Ethics and Compliance Hotline and AIA Ethics and Compliance website are available to any director, manager, employee (current and former), temporary staff, volunteer, contractor, supplier, service provider, intermediary or auditor of AIA who wishes to raise a concern about any reportable conduct.

AIA's Whistleblower Protection Policy defines what type of conduct can be reported. This includes actions which are:

• dishonest, fraudulent, corrupt, illegal or breaches of legislation,
• breaches of internal policy,
• unethical or other serious or improper conduct,
• unsafe work practices,
• harmful to AIA's reputation or any other conduct which may cause financial or non-financial loss to AIA or be otherwise detrimental to the interests of AIA.

Sometimes individuals speaking up may be concerned about being identified, or any potential repercussions which may come from reporting the conduct. This is why we have a Whistleblower Protection Policy.

When contacting the AIA Ethics and Compliance Hotline or using the AIA Ethics and Compliance website, those making a disclosure can remain anonymous and seek protection from personal disadvantage as per AIA’s Whistleblower Protection Policy.

The policy is designed to encourage individuals to report issues, knowing that it is safe to do so and that they will receive support.

If the whistleblower elects to remain anonymous when making the disclosure to either the AIA Ethics and Compliance Hotline or the AIA Ethics and Compliance website, they will be provided with a unique reference number. The whistleblower can continue to anonymously contact the AIA Ethics and Compliance Hotline and quote this reference number to:

• provide further information regarding the disclosure; and/or
• express any concerns about their protection and request the Whistleblower Protection Officer’s details.

Information received from the whistleblower will be treated strictly confidentially, and will not be shared unless:

• the whistleblower has been consulted and consented to the disclosure in writing; or
• we are compelled by law to do so.

Any breach of confidentiality in relation to the disclosure or whistleblower’s identity will be taken seriously, and will be subject to investigation and potential disciplinary action.