Why staying anonymous isn’t as safe as it seems
With the growth in anonymous whistleblowing reporting platforms we look into the pros and cons of trusting an external reporting tool – and what this means for both employers and whistleblowers.
Mark Ellis
Speaking Up with confidence. Can you trust your MP to keep your identity safe?
Sharing information and raising concerns anonymously is a cornerstone to whistleblowing. With the Veterans Minister, Johnny Mercer, under pressure to provide whistleblower names at the Afghan Inquiry there are fears MPs’ trusted roles are under threat.
Press statement – Sexism in the City
The findings of the Sexism in the City report come as no surprise. We hear everyday from whistleblowers reporting sexual and non-financial misconduct in the workplace whose employers are failing to address their concerns.
The abuse of NDAs – a lesson for regulators
The largest bank in the United States – JP Morgan – has been fined $18 million for breaching whistleblower protection rules – one of the most significant penalties imposed by the American financial regulator. As concerns grow in the UK that wealthy corporations are abusing the law to silence their critics, the story offers a timely lead on what the UK could be doing better.
Protect view on BBC Panorama – Midwives under Pressure
This is another damaging example of whistleblower concerns going unheard with devastating consequences. An effective speak up culture is essential for all organisations to catch problems before they escalate. This is all the more important in health settings where patient safety is at stake. But even more pressing is making sure there is an active listening culture to pick up concerns and ensure whistleblowers are recognised.
Government is asking the wrong questions when it comes to whistleblowing in the civil service
The National Audit Office, the independent public spending watchdog, reports that progress to improve whistleblowing in the civil service is slow and inconsistent. Much has already been written about how difficult it is for civil servants to raise concerns outside of their department but this new look at what is happening inside government is disappointing.
Parliamentary Privilege creates a barrier to civil service whistleblowers
Josie Stewart, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) whistleblower, who is bringing a claim that she was unfairly dismissed because she blew the whistle can’t rely on parts of her evidence because of Parliamentary Privilege.