How should I respond when hotline governance or other sensitive reporting processes do not feel independent enough?

I want a response that is professional, defensible, and still realistic inside a live organization. The source discussion was triggered by 'How to Handle Tough Clients During Internal or Statutory Audits'. The practical concern underneath it was: If you work in audit long enough, you’ll realise one thing very clearly. Numbers are easy. People are not. Tough clients are part of the job, especially during internal or statutory audits. The good news is, most situations can be handled calmly if you know how. **First, understa