Whistleblowing

Question 1

What is whistleblowing?

Answer 1

A person who tells someone in authority about misconduct, alleged dishonesty or illegal activity that has or may occur in an organisation.

Question 2

What is an internal whistleblower?

Answer 2

This is when you tell someone of misconduct that is inside the business for instance the director

Question 3

What points should be considered before you internally whistleblow?

Answer 3

Ensuring that you know all of the facts surrounding the issue and have evidence to support the facts
Follow the employers internal procedures for reporting suspected misconduct
Ensure that the situation is fully explained to management including the concerns that you have and how it could affect the organisation

Question 4

What is external whistleblowing and when should it be done?

Answer 4

This is when you report misconduct to someone external from the business. This should only be done when internal whistleblowing has not resolved the situation.

Question 5

What does FRC stand for?

Answer 5

Financial Reporting Council

Question 6

Who would you externally whistleblow to?

Answer 6

An appropriate regulator such as the Financial Reporting Council.

Question 7

What does PIDA stand for?

Answer 7

The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

Question 8

What does the PIDA offer to employees?

Answer 8

It offers protection in certain situations where an employee discloses confidential information externally

Question 9

When should you externally whistleblow?

Answer 9

When you believe one or more of the following will occur:
A criminal offence
A breach of legal obligation
A miscarriage of justice
Endangerment of an individual’s health and safety
Environmental damage

Question 10

What must the employee be able to show in order to be protected from dismissal?

Answer 10

The disclosure is made in good faith
The employee reasonably believes that the information disclosed is true
The employee would otherwise be victimised or the evidence concealed or destroyed if the information is not disclosed

Question 11

Can the Public Interest Disclosure Act provide total protection for a whistleblower?

Answer 11

They cannot provide complete protection but it does make it easier to whistleblow.

Question 12

If internal procedures do not work it is a good idea to get external confidentially advice. Where can you get this?

Answer 12

Citizens Advice Bureau
Public Concern at Work (Charity that works to support employees by giving advice and support about wrongdoing or malpractice
AAT have a free ethical helpline