Head of Speak Out & Whistleblowing

At M&G our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. As an international savings and investments business with roots stretching back more than 170 years, we offer a range of financial products and services through Asset Management, Life and Wealth. All three operating segments work together to deliver attractive financial outcomes for our clients, and superior shareholder returns.

Through our behaviours of telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer work place accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

Role Overview:

The Head of Speak Out & Whistleblowing will be responsible for overseeing and managing M&G’s Speakout & Whistleblowing framework, ensuring a secure, confidential and effective mechanism for colleagues and external stakeholders to report unethical or illegal activities. The role will also drive openness, transparency and accountability, ensuring that all reports are appropriately investigated and addressed in line with legal requirements and industry best practices across M&G’s international locations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Whistleblowing Program Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve M&G’s Speak Out & Whistleblowing program, including policies, procedures and communication strategies.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Speak Out & Whistleblowing concerns, providing leadership and direction to all levels of the organisation.

• Promote awareness and understanding of the Speak Out & Whistleblowing process through training, communications and leadership engagement.

2. Case Management and Investigation:

• Oversee the intake, triage and investigation of whistleblowing reports, ensuring they are handled promptly, impartially, and confidentially.

• Collaborate with relevant functions (e.g., legal, HR, compliance, audit and risk) to triage, investigate and address Whistleblowing claims.

• Ensure that reports are documented, tracked, and resolved in line with company policies and relevant legal regulations globally.

3. Policy and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that M&G complies with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements related to Speak Out & Whistleblowing, including data protection, labour laws and anti-retaliation provisions.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changing legislation and best practices in Whistleblowing governance and integrate these changes into M&Gs processes.

• Monitor Whistleblower protection protocols and ensure that there are no retaliatory actions against Whistleblowers.

4. Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare and present regular reports on the status and outcomes of Whistleblowing activities to Group Executive Committee (GEC) and the plc and subsidiary Board of directors ensuring that key metrics on overall programme effectiveness and trends are identified.

• Conduct data analysis on Speak Out & Whistleblowing trends, risks, and root causes to identify systemic issues and recommend preventive actions.

5. Leadership and Training:

• Foster integrity, openness, and ethical behaviour across M&G ensuring that colleagues feel safe to speak out about concerns.

• Design and deliver targeted training and awareness programs for colleagues and managers, promoting the importance of the Speak Out & the Whistleblowing program alongside anti-retaliation measures.

• Advise senior leaders on themes, operational and reputational risks related to Whistleblowing matters.

6. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Ensure that the M&G Whistleblowing Champion is updated on channel effectiveness and provided updates on key cases and highly confidential matters as needed.

• Provide the Group Executive Committee (GEC) and M&G plc Board of Directors with bi-annual updates on Whistleblowing themes and bi-annual updates to the M&G plc Audit Committee on Speak Out & Whistleblowing channel effectiveness providing updates to subsidiary Boards and regional Boards as required. 

• Liaise with external parties, including regulators, auditors, and third-party service providers, to ensure the Speak Out & Whistleblowing program aligns with industry standards and external expectations.

• Act as the key spokesperson for Speak Out & Whistleblowing matters when engaging with stakeholders or external auditors when necessary.

7. Continuous Improvement:

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the Speak Out & Whistleblowing program, identifying opportunities for enhancement and optimisation.

• Solicit feedback from colleagues through the One Voice Survey, stakeholders, and external experts to refine and improve the program.

• Lead and manage audits, reviews, and assessments of the program to ensure its continued relevance and impact.

Experience & Skills:

Experience:

• Significant experience in running a Speak Out & Whistleblowing Programme at a FTSE100 or FTSE250 Financial Services business, with a strong understanding of Speak Out and Whistleblowing frameworks, ethics programs and organisational governance.

• Significant experience of dealing with CEO, Executive Management Committees, Management Boards and Regulators

• Experience of an organisation with an international footprint, with specific reference to Aisa, India and Europe would be advantageous.

• Proven experience in overseeing and managing sensitive investigations and handling confidential information.

• Experience in the transformation of or realignment of Speak Out and Whistleblowing Programmes

• Experience in designing and implementing training programs related to ethics and whistleblowing.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Whistleblowing regulations, data protection laws, and industry best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior management and various business units and functions.

• Ability to manage a small dedicated team where there is a requirement to work

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organisation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for process improvements.

• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and empathy.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and a proactive approach.

• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

• Integrity and a commitment to upholding ethical standards.

• Resilient, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations.

• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and security of all whistleblowers.

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

M&G is also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, and we welcome applications from candidates with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or neuro-divergent conditions.  Being a Disability Confident Leader means that candidates who meet the minimum criteria of a job, will be offered an interview if they 'opt in' to the scheme when applying. 

If you need assistance or an alternative means of applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know by contacting us at: [email protected]