Press statement: reaction to Committee on Standards in Public Life’s new report

“This is yet another report that identifies the vital role whistleblowers play in warning of risks and holding organisations to account. Public scandals are characterised by a failure to investigate concerns when raised, at enormous cost to lives, livelihoods and the taxpayer.

The public sector cannot afford such avoidable costs at this time. Effective whistleblowing systems are not a nice to have – they are essential to prevent harm and save money. The government needs to take clear action and introduce a statutory duty on employers to investigate whistleblower concerns and give workers the confidence they will be listened to when they speak up.”