10a Whistleblowing

Question 1

What is whistleblowing?

Answer 1

Reporting wrongdoing within an organisation.

Question 2

If you’re worried about reporting something about your organisation, what can protect you in certain circumstances?

Answer 2

Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA).

Question 3

How will Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) (aka whistleblower charter) protect a whistleblower?

Answer 3

Protects you from being dismissed as a result of the whistleblowing as long as you can prove that you blew the whistle in good faith.

Question 4

What is a qualifying disclosure?

Answer 4

Reason to believe that the following happened:
- Criminal offence
- Failure to comply with legislation
- Miscarriage of justice
- Risk of individuals health and safety
- Harm to the environment
- Info on the above being concealed

Question 5

What constitutes reasonable belief?

Answer 5

More than unfounded suspicions or rumours I.e. conclusive proof.

Question 6

What if your employee contract has a clause re confidentiality or ‘gagging’?

Answer 6

PIDA nullifies these clauses should the disclosure qualify.