The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistle-blowing) Act protects staff reporting wrongdoing. Under certain circumstances employees are protected from termination of employment or detriment if they disclose information about the organisations for whom they work. The circumstances qualifying a disclosure are those whereby an employee of the company has committed a ‘relevant failure’ by undertaking one or more of the following:
- committing a criminal offence
- failing to comply with a legal obligation
- a miscarriage of justice
- endangering the health and safety of an individual
- environmental damage
- concealing information relating to any of the above
In the first instance you should report to your line manager, who will treat the situation with complete confidence. If the response is not satisfactory, you should raise the issue with the appropriate official regulatory body.
Anyone found to afford detrimental treatment to a colleague who has made a qualifying disclosure will be subject to disciplinary action. Similarly, if it is found that the report was made for malicious reasons, you will be liable to immediate termination of employment or sanctions appropriate to the circumstance.
For free, confidential whistle-blowing advice from an external helpline, call Protect on 020 3117 2520.
This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis and any revisions briefed to personnel.
