Whistleblowing

 

NEWS UPDATE - Employment Tribunals to pass on details of whistleblowing claims to regulatory bodies.

From 6 April 2010, Employment Tribunals have the power to refer information where a claim is one of dismissal or detriment on account of the employee having made a “protected disclosure” to their employer (or other prescribed person), ie a disclosure of some wrongdoing on the part of the employer.

 

Public Concern at Work

Independent charity advising on whistleblowing. It provides free help to prospective whistleblowers, advises on whistleblowing laws and can help organisations create a culture where it is safe and acceptable for staff to blow the whistle. Having a whistleblowing policy/procedure will help social care employers meet the requirements of the General Social care Council Code of Practice. 4.2 of the Code states “Establishing and promoting procedures for Social care workers to report dangerous, discriminatory, abusive or exploitative behaviour and practice and dealing with these reports effectively and openly.”
http://www.pcaw.co.uk/individuals/exceptionallyserious.htm  Click on this  link to read about a social care case study.

If you want to refer staff to the helpline there is a charge, however there is lots of advice on the website which will serve as a good starting point for smaller organisations.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

The CIPD provides a factsheet on whistleblowing where it describes not only the legal position and benefits of having a whistleblowing policy, but provides advice on how to design and implement such policies.

Page last edited: 16 June 2010