A Sunderland-based business, which has led the way for bullied workers at some of the UK’s biggest firms, has been bought by a London investment giant.

Safecall, based at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), has been bought by the LDC Trust Management Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Law Debenture Corporation PLC.

Since 1999 Safecall has provided a totally independent 24/7 outsourced whistle-blowing service to major public and private sector organisations. Its confidential reporting line allows client employees to securely report problems in the workplace, including corporate governance, fraud, dishonesty, harassment, bullying and discrimination. As a result employers are able to address potentially serious problems within their organisations at an early stage.

Caroline Banszky, Managing Director of Law Debenture, said: “Safecall will be an exciting addition to our portfolio of professional services and plays to our strengths as an independent, professional, third party service provider. 

“As acknowledged in the Combined Code on Corporate Governance, whistle blowing is an important safeguard and Safecall will enable Law Debenture to offer a comprehensive service in this fast growing market.”

Graham Long, Safecall Managing Director, said: “Eight years ago we moved into the incubation suites at the BIC as a start-up business with not one client – The support and assistance of the BIC during the early period was hugely significant.

“As the business has grown we have often turned to the BIC for advice and assistance.  A vital part of that has enabled us to expand on site and use all the facilities the BIC provides. I don’t know where else this would have been possible.”

All of the employees who staff Safecall’s whistle-blowing lines are former police officers, a factor which LDC highlighted as important in their decision to invest, as many competitors’ operations are often call-centre based.

Graham Long said: “I feel one of our greatest strengths lies in the skill of the call handlers we employ. They are all former police officers with many years’ experience interviewing witnesses and listening to what they have to say. They are fully aware of what information needs to be gathered for employers to investigate concerns properly and fairly.”

Whilst Law Debenture is based in the City of London, Safecall will remain in the North East at their BIC headquarters.

Graham Long said: “We are extremely excited about the sale to Law Debenture, as this will assist us in developing our presence in the wider UK market.”