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Landmark decision opens the door for charity trustees to be protected as whistleblowers in the UK

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In a landmark decision handed down today (Oct 21 2024) by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), the door has been opened for UK charity trustees to receive protection from adverse treatment for making whistleblowing disclosures to a charity or to another relevant party.  Until now, protection had not been available, due to the particular circumstances in which trustees work, often unpaid and without a contract.

Fair Work Agency – how whistleblowing can help deliver a fairer workplace.

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They say things come in threes, and if Labour’s proposals to Make Work Pay go ahead as planned they’ll be merging three critical employment agencies together to create the Fair Work Agency. The new Government says the new agency will have ‘teeth’ to issue fines when employers breach employment issues like failing to pay holiday pay or not paying the entitled minimum wage, which according to Citizens Advice could impact close to 2 million people. And its whistleblowing that could make all the difference.

Whistleblowing Payouts at Risk as Tribunal Considers Removal of Injury to Feelings Compensation

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A type of compensation claim that has been enshrined in law for more than 20 years is under threat at a hearing taking place this week. In the Employment Appeal Tribunal between Declan Durey and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust there is a risk that the established “Injury to Feelings” award for whistleblowers could be dismantled. Protect has been given permission to intervene in the case as it gives rise to important issues of public policy.

Exposing the truth: Mental health consequences of whistleblowing

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Whistleblower Debbie shares her experiences of mental health and speaking up: the night before I decided to blow the whistle, the anxiety I felt led to me not sleeping a wink. I knew the next day, I’d be pointing the finger at a colleague, essentially calling her a liar. I had undeniable proof, but even more than that, I knew that if I didn’t act, the life of my elderly, vulnerable client would be irreparably changed.

Ignoring whistleblowers should never be acceptable – Protect responds to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

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Reacting to the publication of the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry today, Andrew Pepper-Parsons, the Director of Policy at whistleblowing charity Protect said: “We welcome the report’s recommendations for stronger regulation – but we must ensure that when people speak up to share critical concerns they are listened to and there is a duty on those in leadership positions to address the issues they raise.”

Legal challenge to give charity trustees vital whistleblowing legal protections

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Protect, the UK’s whistleblowing charity, is intervening in an important case before the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) which will consider whether charity trustees should have whistleblowing rights. There are nearly a million charity trustees in the UK. They are responsible for the proper governance of charities and have a duty to report wrongdoing when they see it. The case before the EAT will consider whether trustees can claim the protection of whistleblowing law if they suffer as a result of speaking up about wrongdoing.

Press statement – Kings Speech: whistleblowing, employment rights and a duty of candour

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Reacting to the Kings Speech today, Elizabeth Gardiner, Chief Executive of whistleblowing charity Protect said: “We welcome the introduction of a new #EmploymentRights bill, this is an opportunity for the government to fulfil its commitment to improve whistleblowers’ rights. Too many people in today’s workplace don’t have any protection if they speak up to stop harm.”

Press statement – former MP Johnny Mercer ‘Protector of whistleblowers’

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The former Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer has had his application to withhold the names of whistleblowers rejected by a public inquiry. Mr Mercer, the former Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View, has repeatedly refused to name “multiple officers” who told him about alleged special forces murders in Afghanistan.