Failure to Back Whistleblowers Undermines New Anti-Corruption Strategy  

“It is disappointing that the Government have not seized the opportunity of a new Anti-Corruption Strategy to commit to better whistleblowing protection. Whistleblowing is vital in the fight against corruption; whistleblowers are the early warning system of wrongdoing who deliver key information to regulators and law enforcement bodies.  

“Protect’s Advice Line shows that more than two thirds of whistleblowers report some form of retaliation.  Without action to reduce this level of victimisation, staff will be discouraged from speaking up and many organisations will continue to treat whistleblowers as a risk instead of recognising their crucial role in preventing wrongdoing.  

We need to see employers sanctioned where they are found to retaliate against a whistleblower.  Regulators must also have a duty of care towards whistleblowers who often provide information at great risk to themselves.  

While whistleblower rewards may increase the flow of information to regulators, the effectiveness of any new scheme needs to be monitored.  Transparency around how whistleblowing concerns are handled is key. Any whistleblower incentive scheme should publish accessible guidance and real-world examples of how rewards are calculated and awarded, to ensure consistency and fairness.”