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BIS has published new guidance for employers on how to deal with whistleblowing in the workplace. Whistleblowing has hit the headlines recently, but many employers still haven't considered how they would deal with whistleblowing in the workplace.
Whistleblowing is when a worker passes on information concerning wrongdoing. In order to be protected by the law, the worker must reasonably believe:
1. that they are acting in the public interest and not raising a personal grievance; and
2. that their disclosure tends to show wrongdoing related to one of the following:
- a criminal offence;
- failure to comply with a legal obligation;
- a miscarriage of justice;
- endangering health and safety;
- damage to the environment; or
- covering up wrongdoing related to one of the above.
Employers should create a working environment where workers feel able to speak up about these issues. It is not a legal requirement to have a whistleblowing policy, but it is good practice. The BIS guidance gives tips on what to include in a whistleblowing policy and how to best communicate the policy to staff.
To have a look at the guidance, click here.
Petra Venton