What Is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongdoing that is in the public interest. This means the issue must affect:
- The public
- Customers
- Clients
- Colleagues
- The wider community
It is not the same as raising a personal grievance.
What Counts as Whistleblowing?
1. Criminal Offences
Examples include:
- Fraud
- Theft
- Bribery
- Corruption
2. Health & Safety Risks
Such as:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Dangerous practices
- Risk to employees or the public
3. Environmental Damage
Including:
- Pollution
- Hazardous waste
- Illegal dumping
4. Miscarriages of Justice
5. Breaches of Legal Obligations
For example:
- Data protection breaches
- Regulatory non compliance
6. Cover Ups
Any attempt to hide wrongdoing is also protected.
What Does NOT Count as Whistleblowing?
The following are not whistleblowing unless they involve wider wrongdoing:
- Personal grievances
- Bullying or harassment (unless systemic or covered up)
- Disputes with managers
- Pay issues
- Contract disagreements
Your Legal Rights as a Whistleblower
1. Protection From Dismissal
You cannot be legally dismissed for whistleblowing.
2. Protection From Detriment
Your employer must not:
- Demote you
- Reduce your hours
- Cut your pay
- Exclude you
- Bully or victimise you
- Damage your career
3. Confidentiality
Your identity should be protected wherever possible.
4. A Fair Investigation
Your employer must investigate your concerns properly.
How to Raise a Whistleblowing Concern
1. Raise It Internally (Recommended First Step)
You can report concerns to:
- Your manager
- A senior manager
- HR
- A designated whistleblowing officer
2. Raise It Externally (If Necessary)
You can report to a prescribed person, such as:
- Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
- Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- Environment Agency
3. Raise It Publicly (Last Resort)
You may be protected if you go to the media, but only if:
- You reasonably believe the information is true
- You have tried internal or prescribed routes first
- You are not acting for personal gain
- The concern remains genuinely in the public interest
How to Protect Yourself When Whistleblowing
- Keep detailed records
- Save emails, messages, and evidence
- Follow your employer's whistleblowing policy
- Put concerns in writing
- Avoid sharing information widely
- Seek advice before escalating externally
- Keep a timeline of events
Signs of Whistleblower Retaliation
Retaliation may include:
- Sudden performance concerns
- Exclusion from meetings
- Hostile treatment
- Unfair disciplinary action
When Whistleblowing Protection Applies
- You make a qualifying disclosure
- You reasonably believe it is true
- You raise it in the public interest
- You report it to the correct person or body
- You avoid personal gain motives
- You keep evidence of your disclosure
- You act reasonably throughout the process