Safe Reporting and Whistleblowing Policy

This policy provides a secure and confidential channel for reporting unethical or illegal behavior,s ensuring the safety and protection of whistleblowers

Introduction

At smslocal.com, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our business operations. This Whistleblowing Policy aims to provide a secure, confidential, and reliable channel for employees, customers, and stakeholders to report any unethical or illegal behavior, without fear of retaliation, retribution, or adverse action.

Objective

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, secure, and accessible channel for reporting concerns or wrongdoing, ensuring that all stakeholders can report any unethical or illegal behavior in a confidential and anonymous manner, and to promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within our organization.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, customers, and stakeholders, including but not limited to, directors, officers, employees, consultants, third-party vendors, and business partners, who have a relationship with (smslocal.com).

Reporting Channels

If you have a concern or suspect a wrongdoing, you can report it through various channels, including email at info@smslocal.com, phone +1 917-475-6888, or through our online reporting system, which is available 24/7 and can be accessed from anywhere.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality and anonymity of whistleblowers, and ensuring that their identity is kept confidential to the extent possible, and whistleblowers may remain anonymous if they so choose.

Non-Retaliation

We strictly prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers and ensure that no employee, contractor, or stakeholder will face retaliation, harassment, or adverse action for reporting a concern or wrongdoing in good faith, and we will take all necessary steps to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Investigation Process

All reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and impartially, and a dedicated team will be assigned to investigate the report, and the whistleblower will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation, and we will ensure that the investigation is fair, unbiased, and thorough.

Reporting False Claims

Making false or malicious claims is strictly prohibited, and if a whistleblower makes a false or malicious claim, they may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, and we reserve the right to take legal action against individuals who make false or malicious claims.

Communication and Awareness

We are committed to promoting awareness and understanding of this Whistleblowing Policy, and we will provide regular training, updates, and reminders to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders on the policy and procedures for reporting concerns or wrongdoing.

Compliance with Laws

This policy is designed to comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including data protection and labor laws, applicable, and we will review and update this policy regularly to ensure compliance with changing laws and regulations.

Review and Update

This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly, at least annually, to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and compliant with changing laws and regulations, and we will solicit feedback from employees, contractors, and stakeholders to improve the policy.

Responsibilities for the Process

The Whistleblowing Committee, Compliance Officer, and all employees, contractors, and stakeholders have responsibilities in implementing and maintaining this Whistleblowing Policy, and we will ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in promoting a culture of integrity and transparency.