Reporting a wrongdoing at Striive: how our whistleblower policy works

Why this policy exists
At Striive, integrity matters. That applies to our own organisation and to assignments you carry out as a self-employed professional or partner. If you suspect a wrongdoing, we give you a safe and confidential way to report it. We handle every report carefully and promptly, and you're protected against retaliation.

Who can file a report
This policy applies to:

• Striive employees
• Self-employed professionals
• Seconded professionals
• Partners
• Interns and volunteers
• Former workers and job applicants, where legally protected
• Anyone who supports a reporter or is involved in a report

You can report both internal situations and wrongdoings at a client organisation, as long as they relate to work carried out through Striive.

What you can report
A suspected wrongdoing includes, for example:

• A breach of legal rules
• A risk to public health, safety, or the environment
• A risk to an organisation's proper functioning
• A breach of EU law
• A situation where the public interest is at stake

Your suspicion doesn't have to be based only on what you've seen yourself. Information from others also counts, as long as there are reasonable grounds.

How to file a report
Are you a self-employed professional or partner? Send your report to info@striive.com or by post to:
HeadFirst B.V., attn. Supportdesk, Taurusavenue 18, 2132 LS Hoofddorp, the Netherlands

You can report verbally or in writing. For a verbal report, we put it in writing and show it to you to check. You can also ask us to treat your report confidentially.

What happens next

1. Investigation: Striive starts the investigation once we've confirmed your report. We hear all parties involved, so everyone gets the chance to explain their side. Where needed, we hold extra conversations and review documents.
2. Decision and record-keeping: After the investigation, we draw a conclusion. Where needed, we take appropriate action. We record the outcome in a confidential file.
3. Feedback: Where possible, we let you know the next steps. We close the file and keep it according to GDPR retention periods.

Your confidentiality is protected

• We treat your identity as strictly confidential.
• We process your data according to GDPR.
• We share information only with people who need it to handle your report.
• We don't disclose your identity without your explicit consent, unless a legal obligation requires it. Even then, we inform you beforehand, unless this would put the investigation at risk.
• If the reporting channel allows it, you can also report anonymously.

You're protected against retaliation
Any form of retaliation because of your report is forbidden. This includes dismissal, ending your assignment, non-renewal, intimidation, reputational damage, or financial harm. As a self-employed professional or seconded professional, we don't end your contract because of a report. This protection also applies to people who support you with your report.

Do you suspect retaliation anyway? Report this to the whistleblower officer. We then take appropriate action and record this in writing.