PREVENTING WHISTLEBLOWER VICTIMISATION:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS
About the guide
We have developed a new guide in response to queries from employers about how they should respond to the victimisation of whistleblowers, or, better yet, prevent it from happening in the first place.
“Preventing Whistleblowing Victimisation: A practical guide for employers” sets out insightful advice for employers of all sizes and across all sectors on how to prevent retaliation against whistleblowers in their organisations. It was developed through meetings with a roundtable of leading employers from across different sectors, sharing tried and tested ideas about innovative practice.
The guide looks at what constitutes victimisation of whistleblowers, including considering the repercussions of whistleblowing on the whistleblower’s mental health.
It also provides practical steps employers can take to prevent and respond to victimisation at every stage of the whistleblowing process. This spans from the moment a whistleblower reports a concern to the conclusion of the investigation process and beyond. It also covers ways of developing the culture and policies that need to be in place to ensure your workplace is somewhere staff feel they can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
The guide uses real-life case studies of innovative practice put in place by different organisations, to illustrate how these ideas can be put into action, and also includes an example risk assessment. We hope the guide will be an invaluable resource in the work of protecting whistleblowers against retaliation, which will benefit both whistleblowers and employers alike.
Purchase “Preventing Whistleblower Victimisation: The practical guide for employers”
About Protect, the UK's whistleblowing charity
Protect provide firms such as Nationwide with an invaluable service in relation to
support around our whistleblowing arrangements. They are (for Nationwide) our ‘go
to’ team for advice and support and the guidance that they provide is always
considered, accurate and professional.
Clive Robins, Senior Compliance Manager, Nationwide
How would Protect Membership benefit your organisation?
Maintaining a healthy, happy, and safe workplace with a positive ‘speak up’ culture is an ongoing process. Choosing to become a Protect Member will mean your organisation – and more importantly your staff – will understand whistleblowing is taken seriously.
We have almost 300 employer members that benefit from a long-term relationship with Protect and have access to exclusive roundtables and events with thought leaders and professionals in the whistleblowing field where you can share best practice tips and challenges under Chatham House rules. The Membership also includes access to our training sessions and best practice toolkits and guides, and access for your staff to confidential advice from our trained advisers – the critical part of arrangements that is usually missing.
Membership also includes access to our unique Whistleblowing Benchmark, a fantastic diagnostic and audit tool that helps you assess the effectiveness of your speak up programme. It looks wider than the volume of disclosures, and focuses on key areas including governance, engagement, and operations.
By becoming a Member, you will be joining a community of organisations that are committed to improving their speak up culture for the benefit of society, their organisation, and their staff. You also help us to continue to provide our charitable activities.
Would like to hear more about our Memberships or other ways we can help?
Sometimes it’s easier to have a chat first. Please get in touch with our dedicated Business Support team.