# GeNext MedEd Foundation — Confidential Reporting & Non-Retaliation Standard

**Document code:** GMEF-ETH-006
**Version:** 1.0
**Status:** Controlled working standard

## Purpose
Provides a protected route for reporting serious academic, ethical, governance, privacy, safety, financial-integrity, research-integrity or professional-conduct concerns where ordinary supervisory channels may be unsuitable.

## Reporting channels
The Foundation should designate at least one confidential reporting route independent of the immediate programme supervisor. Reports may be named or, where technically and legally feasible, anonymous.

## Good-faith reporting
A person raising a concern in good faith should not face retaliation, academic disadvantage, exclusion from opportunities, threats or adverse treatment because of the report or participation in a review.

## Intake
Each report receives a restricted case reference. The recipient assesses urgency, conflicts, confidentiality needs, evidence preservation and whether another competent institutional/statutory authority must be involved.

## Confidentiality
Identity is disclosed only where reasonably necessary for fair review, protection, action or legal obligation. Absolute confidentiality cannot be promised where disclosure is required by law or essential to a fair process.

## Malicious reports
Knowingly false or malicious allegations may themselves breach professional-conduct standards. This does not include reports made honestly that are later unsubstantiated.

## Record retention
Case records are stored separately from routine learner/faculty records with access restricted to authorised roles.