Frequently Asked Questions

About JLP Speak Up Line

What is the JLP Speak Up Line?

JLP Speak Up Line is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool created by NAVEX that enables those who work alongside our business to work with the John Lewis Partnership to address fraud, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace while cultivating a positive work environment.

Why does the John Lewis Partnership need a system like the JLP Speak Up Line?

• It provides ​those connected to ​John ​L​ewis ​P​artnership suppl​y chain​ with a simple, quick, confidential way to report any concerns.
• As a purpose-led business that aims to put people and the planet before profit, nothing could be more important to the John Lewis Partnership than maintaining responsible business conduct.
• Our Constitution, first written in 1928 by our Founder John Spedan Lewis, states: “The Partnership’s relationships with its suppliers must be based, as with its customers, on honesty, fairness, courtesy and promptness. It looks for a similar attitude throughout its supply chains. In particular, the Partnership expects its suppliers to obey the law and to respect the wellbeing of their employees, their local communities and the environment” (Rule 96).
• An effective reporting system supports our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.

Reporting – General

Can I make a report using either the internet or the telephone?

Yes. The JLP Speak Up Line enables you to file a confidential, anonymous report via either the telephone or the website.

What types of situations should I report?

The JLP Speak Up Line allows John Lewis Partnership suppliers, their employees and communities to report allegations of improper practices. Our principles and standards are guided by our policies which can be found on the John Lewis Partnership website and supplier facing portals for John Lewis, Waitrose and JLP Goods and Services (not for resale).

If I see something that’s not right, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security, or human resources and let them deal with it?

When you see something you feel isn’t right and could be putting customers, colleagues or the John Lewis Partnership at risk , we encourage you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your direct manager or other members of your management team. We recognise, however, there may be circumstances when you’re not comfortable reporting the issue to them directly. That’s why we’ve partnered with NAVEX. We would rather you report concerns anonymously than keep the information to yourself.

Why should I report what I know?

The Partnership is committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, openness and accountability. We recognise that everyone working with the Partnership has an important role to play in achieving that goal. However, we know that sometimes, things may go wrong or may be overlooked. The JLP Speak Up Line aims to help those outside our business who identify risks or have concerns about potential wrongdoings to speak up as soon as possible so their concerns can be looked into and addressed.

Where do these reports go? Who can access them?

Reports are entered directly on the JLP Speak Up Line secure server. NAVEX makes these reports available only to specific individuals within the John Lewis Partnership whose job it is to evaluate the report based on the type of improper practice and location of the incident. Anyone who receives a report has had training in holding these reports confidentially.

Reporting Security & Confidentiality

Can my employer track my report in any way?

NAVEX doesn’t generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your computer to the is available.

If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work computer, you have the option of using a device outside your work environment through the JLP Speak Up Line secure website. Many people choose this option, as NAVEX data shows that fewer than 12% of reports are generated during business hours.

Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?

A report from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. An internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the JLP Speak Up Line strips away internet addresses so that anonymity is maintained.

I’m concerned that the information I provide the JLP Speak Up Line will ultimately reveal my identity. How can you assure me that won’t happen?

The JLP Speak Up Line protects your identity. However, if you wish to remain fully anonymous, you - as the reporter - need to make sure your report doesn’t reveal your identity by accident with the information you give.

Is the telephone toll-free hot line confidential and anonymous too?

Yes. You'll be asked to provide the same information you would provide in an internet-based report and an interviewer will type your responses into the JLP Speak Up Line website. These reports have the same security and confidentiality.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?

When you file a report at the JLP Speak Up Line website or through the JLP Speak Up telephone line, you receive a unique, randomized number called a “report key” and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the system again either by website or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a representative investigating the report.

Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?

All JLP Speak Up Line communication is held in the same strict confidence as the initial report.

Will I be given an update about any investigations?

Once you’ve submitted your report, you’ll be given your unique report key and you can use this to sign into the JLP Speak Up Line when you wish to and see updates.

What if I want to be identified with my report?

There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish.

Tips & Best Practices

I’m not sure if what I’ve observed or heard involves unethical conduct or puts the John Lewis Partnership at risk but it just doesn’t look or feel right to me. What should I do?

We would encourage you to file a report, so it can be properly understood. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked.

What if my manager or other managers are involved?

The JLP Speak Up Line makes sure implicated parties aren’t notified or granted access to reports in which they’ve been named.

Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?

All communication is kept strictly confidential at all times.

What if I lose my report key or forget the password I created?

To make sure security and confidentiality is maintained, if you lose your report key or password, you’ll need to file a new report. Mention in the new report it’s related to a report or question you have previously submitted.

Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the internet?

You can file a report from any computer that can access the Internet. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the JLP Speak Up Line toll-free hotline from many countries, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.