Classified, private, hush-hush. Whether it’s a surprise birthday party, a family announcement or details of a promotion, there are times when we’ve all had to keep something under-wraps to ensure we don’t spill the beans or drop someone in it when things are meant to be held back. When it comes to whistleblowing the same applies, and keeping information confidential is essential for all employers to get to grips with. In fact, it’s become more and more an expectation on organisations whether through regulation in the financial sector, water companies or throughout Europe via the EU Directi ..read more

Join us for a lunch and learn webinar from Protect, 1:00pm-2:00pm, on Thursday 16th May 2024.  The most effective way to protect a whistleblower is often to shield their identity while investigating the concerns they have raised. If staff believe their confidentiality won’t be protected this can be stressful for the individual or make other staff reluctant to come forward in the future.  Protect is proud to host a webinar with a panel of experts to discuss the challenges both whistleblowers and employers face in this space, and what best practice exists among organisations.  ..read more

With more than half a million staff* working in the civil service, making up a significant proportion of the working population, its vital to public accountability that Government departments are getting whistleblowing right – especially as they’re funded through the public purse. A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) on whistleblowing in the civil service presented a series of disappointing observations alongside bold recommendations to address gaps in the system. To follow up on the report’s findings officials from the Cabinet Office, HMRC and DWP were called in by the Pub ..read more

The Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer has confirmed he is challenging an order to name the source of his claims that members of the SAS unlawfully killed Afghan civilians between 2010 and 2013.   Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave who is chairing the Afghan Inquiry has ordered the MP for Plymouth Moor View to hand over the names of his sources or potentially face jail.   Elizabeth Gardiner, Chief Executive of whistleblowing charity Protect, said: “It is paramount that the identity of these whistleblowers are protected otherwise why would anyone come forward with informa ..read more

With the (very welcome) introduction of the EU Whistleblowing Directive placing minimum standards on employers handling whistleblowers, the market has opened up to organisations offering all-in-one solutions to managing corporate whistleblowing. But do they really work? The latest to join the party are anonymous reporting platforms – allowing whistleblowers to contact an external body, which will package up their concerns as clearly as possible for their employer and without the risk of identification. For UK employers looking to harmonise their processes with their European colleagues thi ..read more

MPs have a special place in the hierarchy of whistleblowing. Legally they hold the position of a “Prescribed Person” – someone who a whistleblower can talk to, outside of their own organisation. Jonny Mercer – the Veterans Minster, and former soldier – was approached by a number of whistleblowers who he says told him about alleged murders and cover ups by special forces in Afghanistan. Mr Mercer is now giving evidence to an independent inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice and the Inquiry Chair Sir Charles Haddon-Cave wants to know the names of the people who blew the whistle. Mr Mercer i ..read more

The Sexism In The City report released Friday 08 March, published to coincide with International Women’s Day, quotes extensively from Protect’s research – and calls for stronger protections for whistleblowers in sexual harassment cases. Commenting on the report, Sybille Raphael, Protect’s Legal Director said: “The findings of the Sexism in the City report come as no surprise. We hear everyday from whistleblowers reporting sexual and non-financial misconduct in the workplace whose employers are failing to address their concerns. We submitted evidence for inclusion in the report which shows ..read more

The whistleblowing charity Protect has been recognised as an accredited CPD (Continued Professional Development) provider for four of its instructor led training courses. The charity’s three core training courses: Whistleblowing Essentials, Investigating a Whistleblowing Concern and Preventing Whistleblower Victimisation, plus Financial Services Whistleblower’s Champion have all been awarded “Continuing Professional Development” accreditation. CPD certification certifies that both the content and structure of the sessions have been independently assessed and approved for continuing persona ..read more

From advertising and fashion to the music industry, every sector is now seemingly having its own #MeToo moment. In recent months we’ve seen accounts of sexual abuse and harassment at McDonald’s, the Red Arrows and in national sporting bodies. These organisations are not alone, and more are coming – a significant proportion (18%) of the calls we received last year related to bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.  One of the latest exposed for sexist and discriminatory behaviours is the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service where matters have advanced so far that the Welsh Govern ..read more

Whistleblowing charity, Protect, sees calls rise by almost a quarter year on year.  Legal charity worked on 3047 total cases, up 23% on 2022.  23% of calls come from the charity sector, with 24% from the public and 42% from the private sector.  The top employers were health and social work (30%), education (15%) and financial services (7%)  Three quarters of callers (73%) say they had faced victimisation or felt forced to resign after raising whistleblowing concerns.  In 2023, Protect significantly impacted the lives of thousands of whistleblowers by providing pra ..read more