29.11.2013
The Whistleblowing Commission set up by charity Public Concern At Work has said such a code is needed to ensure workers are able to raise concern about dangers, risks and malpractice without any fear of adverse consequences.
In its report, which comes in light of scandals including problems at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and Winterbourne View, the commission has recommended such a code would be taken into account by courts and tribunals when such issues arise and that regulators adopt such guidelines.
The Commission stated that currently legislation is not working on the matter and immediate change is needed to ensure people are able to speak out without fear of repercussions.
Sir Anthony Hooper, chair of the Commission, said: “Reports into public scandals and tragedies reveal that those who would wish to blow the whistle are prevented or discouraged from so doing and that those who have blown the whistle are not listened to or are punished.”
Call For New Measures To Strengthen Support For Workers
An in-depth review of whistleblowing policies and practice has called on the government to introduce a statutory code of practice which covers all workplaces in the UK and strengthens the framework for such action.The Whistleblowing Commission set up by charity Public Concern At Work has said such a code is needed to ensure workers are able to raise concern about dangers, risks and malpractice without any fear of adverse consequences.
In its report, which comes in light of scandals including problems at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and Winterbourne View, the commission has recommended such a code would be taken into account by courts and tribunals when such issues arise and that regulators adopt such guidelines.
The Commission stated that currently legislation is not working on the matter and immediate change is needed to ensure people are able to speak out without fear of repercussions.
Sir Anthony Hooper, chair of the Commission, said: “Reports into public scandals and tragedies reveal that those who would wish to blow the whistle are prevented or discouraged from so doing and that those who have blown the whistle are not listened to or are punished.”
Expert Opinion
Developments in a range of cases in recent times have raised significant issues over whether workers at companies feel confident enough to come forward when they have concerns over how a business or organisation is operating without fear of retribution. <br/> <br/>"It is vital that lessons are learned from the problems seen in cases such as Mid-Staffordshire. The only way for this to be done is to review and monitor existing measures in place protect whistleblowers and ensure that those measures are adequate. <br/> <br/>"All organisations have a duty to ensure strong corporate governance ensuring compliance with the relevant law and regulation. The possibility of a vigilant worker whistleblowing on malpractice is certainly one way which will encourage businesses to ensure their systems and procedures are adequate and fit for purpose. <br/> <br/>"A code of practice would clarify and provide guidance to both business and employees and help ensure that responsible workers are protected when they speak out about suspected wrongdoing."
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