1. Whistleblowing: Protecting people who uncover bad practice.
Catherine Hobby, School of Law, University of East London

2. Nolan ‘Second Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life’, 1996.
All organisations ‘face the risk of things going wrong or unknowingly harbouring malpractice’

3. Definition of Whistleblowing
The deliberate non-obligatory disclosure of public interest information by a worker, whether internally or externally, by voicing concerns or making an allegation of serious malpractice or wrongdoing.

4. British Standards Institute
One in four employees is aware of misconduct in the workplace.
52% keep silent

5. Mid-Staffordshire Inquiry 2010
Found:
an ‘atmosphere of fear of adverse repercussions’

6. Role of Trade Unions Assist in establishing a culture of openness
Watchdogs
Support for members who raise concerns
Representation of whistleblowers
BUT victimisation of officials who are recipients of concerns

7. Limits of PIDA for Trade Unions
No role for Trade Unions recognised
Complex Provisions
Accessibility
No Right to Report
Voluntary whistleblowing procedures

8. Offence of corporate failure to prevent bribery
Bribery Act 2010
Section 7:
Offence of corporate failure to prevent bribery
Defence: if a company has an ‘adequate procedure’ in place to prevent such offences

9. The Coalition: our programme for government, May 2010
Page 21:
“We will introduce new protections for whistleblowers in the public sector”
Freedom Fairness Responsibility

10. Reform of PIDA Recognition of the role of trade unions
Word ‘Report’ to be substituted for term ‘disclosure’
Outlaw discrimination in hiring
Right to raise a concern, but not a duty

11. Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
‘systematic management failure’