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Mark Ellis

Protection and rewards need to go hand in hand

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RUSI launches its new paper looking at the benefits of introducing rewards for whistleblowers in the fight against economic crime.  Protect was established to encourage public interest concerns to be raised, investigated and addressed – including issues of bribery, corruption and fraud.  For most of those who call our Advice Line, there is no question of rewards, nor does the concept make sense except in circumstances where substantial fines are levied against wrongdoers and collected by enforcement bodies.  

Protect intervenes to stave off the removal of Injury to Feelings compensation

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Action by the whistleblowing charity Protect has helped retain the ability for whistleblowers to get compensation for their non-financial losses. In the Employment Appeal Tribunal between Declan Durey and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust there was a risk that the established “injury to feelings”* award for whistleblowers could have been dismantled.

Landmark decision opens the door for charity trustees to be protected as whistleblowers in the UK

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In a landmark decision handed down today (Oct 21 2024) by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), the door has been opened for UK charity trustees to receive protection from adverse treatment for making whistleblowing disclosures to a charity or to another relevant party.  Until now, protection had not been available, due to the particular circumstances in which trustees work, often unpaid and without a contract.

Artist’s Case Brings Fresh Attention to #Fishrot Scandal

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The Icelandic artist ODEE (Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson), has put normal life on hold while he awaits the outcome of a lawsuit against him by one of the largest fishing companies in Europe, the Icelandic-based Samherji. The case relates to his artwork which draws attention to what’s known as the #Fishrot scandal, originally brought to light by whistleblower Jóhannes Stefansson. More than 30 publications/media platforms have now covered the story discussing the consequences of artists using their right to freely express themselves and explore social and political issues.

Exposing the truth: Mental health consequences of whistleblowing

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Whistleblower Debbie shares her experiences of mental health and speaking up: the night before I decided to blow the whistle, the anxiety I felt led to me not sleeping a wink. I knew the next day, I’d be pointing the finger at a colleague, essentially calling her a liar. I had undeniable proof, but even more than that, I knew that if I didn’t act, the life of my elderly, vulnerable client would be irreparably changed.

Ignoring whistleblowers should never be acceptable – Protect responds to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

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Reacting to the publication of the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry today, Andrew Pepper-Parsons, the Director of Policy at whistleblowing charity Protect said: “We welcome the report’s recommendations for stronger regulation – but we must ensure that when people speak up to share critical concerns they are listened to and there is a duty on those in leadership positions to address the issues they raise.”

What to do if you are threatened with a SLAPP lawsuit

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SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) are a powerful threat to freedom of speech and a free press – affecting whistleblowers and journalists alike. They’re essentially a form of reputation management – used by the powerful and the rich to silence their critics or anyone exposing suspected wrongdoing. This guest blog from the the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, outlines steps you can take if you are targeted by a SLAPP.

Legal challenge to give charity trustees vital whistleblowing legal protections

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Protect, the UK’s whistleblowing charity, is intervening in an important case before the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) which will consider whether charity trustees should have whistleblowing rights. There are nearly a million charity trustees in the UK. They are responsible for the proper governance of charities and have a duty to report wrongdoing when they see it. The case before the EAT will consider whether trustees can claim the protection of whistleblowing law if they suffer as a result of speaking up about wrongdoing.

Press statement – Kings Speech: whistleblowing, employment rights and a duty of candour

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Reacting to the Kings Speech today, Elizabeth Gardiner, Chief Executive of whistleblowing charity Protect said: “We welcome the introduction of a new #EmploymentRights bill, this is an opportunity for the government to fulfil its commitment to improve whistleblowers’ rights. Too many people in today’s workplace don’t have any protection if they speak up to stop harm.”