Basics of Whistleblowing

‘Whistleblowing’ refers to an employee or individual disclosing information they reasonably believe shows illegal or unethical activity within an organisation. This course will introduce you to its role in society with a breakdown of the definitions, examples, benefits and drawbacks of the different types of whistleblowing. Learn how to identify potential wrongdoing and explain the function of whistleblower support groups and advocacy organisations. We discuss the risks and benefits of whistleblowing, including the main features of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) 1998 in the United Kingdom.

The course then explains the legal protection available to whistleblowers in the UK including the workplace policies and procedures designed to protect them against retaliation, including the international perspective on whistleblower protection. We cover the importance of conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into whistleblowers’ claims. We also go through the role of the investigator and the required competencies to become a successful investigator. The course identifies the techniques and methods used for evidence collection and analysis.

Finally, we discuss how to assess the whistleblower's credibility before outlining the elements of a whistleblowing culture and the role of leadership in fostering transparency and accountability. We discuss the common reasons for resistance to whistleblowing within organisations and the strategies for overcoming them. Lastly, dive into the importance of training and education in building a culture that supports whistleblowing. This course will provide you with up-to-date information on all aspects of whistleblowing so start learning today!