Water companies don’t seem to be able to stay out of the headlines. In the past year alone there have been 300,000 instances of firms discharging raw sewage into rivers and seas – most of these being illegal. Now Ofwat has released updated whistleblowing expectations for water companies. We ask whether this will help address wrongdoing in the industry and give would-be whistleblowers the courage to speak up.
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.
As officials from governments, Member States, parliaments, civil society and the private sector come together for one of the world’s largest anti-corruption gatherings we explore a new resolution calling on member states to recognise the role whistleblowers play in the fight against corruption and provide them from retaliation. .
When it comes to calling out wrongdoing in the workplace, could it be that some people are more likely to speak up than others? At Protect, a notable number of callers to our Advice Line identify as being neurodivergent and/or on the autistic spectrum. While this observation doesn’t prove a link, we think this warrants exploration.
Protect welcomes the introduction of the first anti-SLAPPs legislation in the UK, but is clear this doesn’t go far enough and there needs to be a dedicated law. SLAPPs continue to threaten the right to speak out and speak up, are a significant threat to democracy and place whistleblowers in a vulnerable position.
Following a change in the law large organisations are now criminally liable if they benefit from fraud committed by a member of staff. It aims to discourage large organisations from turning a blind eye to fraud and to hold companies to account if they profit as a result. Protect hopes the new offence will help protect victims and reduce economic crime by driving culture change towards better internal fraud prevention procedures.
Protect works with charities and their trustees in a variety of ways including training, consultancy, organisational membership and the benchmarking of whistleblowing arrangements. We are proud to offer trustees whistleblowing training that is specific to their role. Ensuring that they understand their responsibilities and obligations in overseeing their organisation’s whistleblowing arrangements, as well as how to escalate concerns and promote a culture where staff feel empowered to raise concerns.
This Pro Bono Week Halima, a legal secondee from Baker McKenzie, shares her thoughts on the importance of pro bono work and that being charitable doesn’t always have to be financial, it can be the giving of time, expertise, or kindness. Protect is extremely grateful to all the organisations and individuals who dedicate their time, insight, skills and support for our charity.
Elevate Your Expertise in Whistleblowing Join the Whistleblowing Training Summer School In the month of July, Protect is excited to announce our Whistleblowing Training Summer School, where you can unlock safe whistleblowing practices and become an invaluable asset in creating a robust speak-up culture. Are you passionate about or involved with fostering a culture of … Read more
