The House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts has published its report on whistleblowing. In summary the report finds that many concerns go unreported in respect of public service delivery, and the intelligence that does exist is not routinely collected and shared. The Committee believes it is essential that employees have trust in the system for handling whistleblowers, and confidence that they will be taken seriously, protected and supported by their organisations if they blow the whistle. Key recommendations include the following (which can also be read across to whistleblowing procedures in the private sector):

– Whistleblowers must be protected, supported and have their welfare monitored.

– A route map should be provided to all employees that clarifies suitable internal and external reporting routes.

– Have clear arrangements for timely reporting back to whistleblowers on how their concerns have been addressed.

– Publicise to the workforce and tell the whistleblower about changes that have been made to processes and policies as a result of whistleblowing.

– Report on the effectiveness of whistleblowing arrangements in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Content Note

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