Raising a concern

If you would like to raise a concern about any aspect of IIED’s work, behaviour or operations, you can be assured it will be taken seriously. We are committed to responding promptly, fairly and with integrity.

We recognise that concerns and feedback are an important part of maintaining high standards, meeting our legal and regulatory responsibilities as a UK charity, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our staff, partners and stakeholders.

All concerns are handled in line with our relevant policies, including our safeguarding policy, whistleblowing policy and complaints procedures.

How to raise a concern

You can raise a concern through the most appropriate route listed below. If you are unsure which route applies, please use the general complaints email and we will direct it appropriately.

Safeguarding concerns

If your concern relates to harm, risk of harm or inappropriate behaviour involving staff, partners or stakeholders, please email [email protected]. Reports will be handled in line with our safeguarding policy.

Whistleblowing concerns

If your concern relates to serious wrongdoing, such as unlawful conduct, financial malpractice, risks to health and safety or other matters in the public interest, please email [email protected]. Reports will be handled in line with our whistleblowing policy.

General complaints or concerns

For all other concerns, including feedback on our work or operations, please email [email protected].

What to include

To help us review your concern as effectively as possible, please include:

  • Your contact details and preferred method of communication  
  • A clear description of your concern  
  • Any relevant dates, locations and individuals involved (where known), and
  • Any supporting information or evidence.

You can still raise a concern if you do not have all of this information.

What happens next

  • We will acknowledge receipt of your concern within five working days.
  • We aim to provide an update within 10 working days of acknowledgement.
  • If the matter is complex, we may take longer to complete our investigation. If so, we will keep you informed of progress.  

All concerns are assessed and handled proportionately, in line with our policies and legal obligations.

Confidentiality and protection

We will handle your concern sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. If you are raising a concern under our whistleblowing policy, you are protected under UK law when raising concerns in the public interest. IIED does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

In some cases, particularly those involving employee matters, we may not be able to share full details of the outcome. However, we will confirm when the investigation has been concluded.