Frequently Asked Questions
What is Speak Up?
Speak Up is a service which anyone can use to raise concerns about workplace behaviours, business conduct or any other matter about Fortescue which may not align with our Values. As a global business, the Speak Up service is available in multiple languages which team members can access around the world at any time.
This new platform encompasses both of our former Whistleblower and Speak Up services, so that anyone who wishes to raise a concern can do so in the one central Speak Up location.
Speaking up is an important part of ensuring that our workplaces are safe and inclusive for everyone, and that our business practices align with our Values.
Why do we need Speak Up?
The safety and wellbeing of our Fortescue family is our first priority. In addition, Fortescue can only thrive when our business practices are in line with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Speak Up provides an avenue for team members and anyone else to raise concerns if they see something that may not align with our Values. Concerns can be raised through the platform confidentially and anonymously, and all concerns will be treated professionally and in line with our Values.
How do I raise a concern?
You can raise a concern using Speak Up by either:
- By phone
- Using the online form
- Scanning the QR code
The new Speak Up service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Fortescue has made sure that the Speak Up phone number is accessible in as many of our locations as possible. Where the phone number is not accessible in your location, please use either the online form or scan the QR code to raise your concerns.
What types of situations should I report?
You are encouraged to speak up if you see behaviour that may not align with our Fortescue Values. Speaking Up helps to ensure that our workplaces remain safe for everyone and that we conduct our business responsibly, ethically and with integrity.
Should I report a concern to my leader or the Fortescue People team before raising it via Speak Up?
You are welcome to raise a concern in whatever way suits you best.
We always encourage you to speak to your leader, any member of our leadership team or the Fortescue People team about your concerns.
However, we understand there may be situations where you would prefer to raise your concerns in other ways. Where this is the case, the concern should be raised through our Speak Up service.
I am concerned some individuals may be acting inappropriately, but it doesn't affect me. Should I still report it?
Yes. If you witness any behaviour which you think doesn’t align with our Values or might breach our Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to raise your concerns.
Being a good bystander and looking out for others is an example of our Safety Value in action. By raising your concerns, you are helping to ensure that Fortescue remains a great place to work.
Where does a report go once I make it? Who can access the report I make?
The Speak Up platform is only accessible by certain Fortescue People and Governance and Compliance team members. These team members will handle the concern, based on the type of concern and location of the incident which is alleged to have occurred. All concerns are treated confidentially and sensitively.
How can I be certain that Fortescue won’t know who has raised a concern?
The Speak Up platform does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your work or home device to the platform is available. If you choose to report via phone, you can be assured that the same security and confidentiality measures are applied.
This means if you do not add your name to a Speak Up report, there will be no way for Fortescue to tell that you made the report.
What if my leader is involved in the concern? Will they see the Speak Up report that is made?
No. Only dedicated members of the Fortescue People and Governance and Compliance teams have access to the Speak Up platform and can view reports that are made within it.
What if I want to be identified when I make a report?
There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish. This will usually assist Fortescue to address and resolve the concern.
What will happen within the Speak Up platform when I make a report?
You will receive a unique number called a “Report Key”, which is the number you can use to identify your report in the future. You will also be asked to choose a password for your Report Key.
How can I check the progress of my Speak Up report?
You can return to the Speak Up platform at any stage, enter your Report Key and password, and check the progress of your concern. You can also add additional detail to your concern in this way.
What if Fortescue has questions or needs more detail about the concern that I raised?
If you have added your name to your report, Fortescue may contact you directly to ask to speak with you or to ask you for more details about your concern.
If you have not added your name to your report, Fortescue can use the platform to leave questions for you that are linked to your Report Key. You can also answer these questions anonymously via the platform.