What should I do?

BuddyBC

I recently discovered that my ex-boss is acting suspiciously regarding the finances of a grant-funded organisation. I discussed this with him but he flew off the handle and has excluded me from meetings etc ever since. This has not eased my suspicions so I have now left the firm but I am unsure as to whether I should alert anyone in authority. If so, who? Or am I over-reacting? My conscience will not let me rest. Please help! Thanks.:(

williacg

Do you actually have any proof / evidence of any wrong doing?

BuddyBC

I'm not sure if what I have is concrete evidence, but there are many signs that a breach of terms may have occured such as not providing me with the finances even though I was entitled to see them in order to do my job. There are many other things that I can't go into details.

williacg

Can I ask, did you leave the company on bad terms? as without concrete evidence of any wrong doing, your allegations might be regarded as sour grapes. Sorry to sound unhelpful, but without further details, it's not really possible to offer an opinion either way.

BuddyBC

Yes I did leave on bad terms as my boss does not think he did anything wrong. I know it looks like sour grapes but is not the case as I am concerned that the money is not his (it is funding that is not going to where is was intended for) and he does not seem to understand this. The firm will suffer and I do not wish it to fail but the dilemma is do I wait for someone else to pick up on it or do I have an obligation to inform the funders? Thanks for your help anyway, I am grateful.

ceridwen

I'd say you have an obligation to blow the whistle on him. I hope you manage to be able to provide enough evidence to prove this. I dont know if there is any organisation you can report him to and they would investigate him anyway - hopefully someone will come along who knows of one...

tizerbelle

I would try Public Concern at Work they have been set up to help people with queries / concerns about whistleblowing. They are an independent charity and provide free advice.

BuddyBC

Thank you everyone for your help. I was getting so bogged down with this dilemma! This Public Concern at Work looks like a great place to start. I just wish it didn't have to come to this. Now looking for new job!

williacg

I too would be tempted to report a fraud to the relevant bodies, but before doing so, I would make sure that any evidence I had was sufficient, and consult with a solicitor at the CAB before taking any action.