Introduction to whistleblowing

This workshop explores how whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing within their organisations are protected from detriment or dismissal. Guidance is provided on what is meant by 'a protected disclosure' and when a disclosure is 'in the public interest'.

The Financial Times reported (29 July 2024) that the number of tribunal claims that involved whistleblowing rose by 92% between 2015 and 2023. This may be due to a growing awareness among employees about their rights and protection under whistleblowing laws. This protection is a day one right as no qualifying period is required and there is no cap on compensation that can be awarded.

This interactive workshop will focus on:

• 5 key questions to establish whether a disclosure is protected by law
• Establishing a reasonable belief that information disclosed tends to show relevant wrongdoing
• Detriment and automatically unfair dismissal claims & remedies
• How to support whistleblowers and encourage a 'speak up culture'
• Governments plans for reform including treating an allegation of sexual harassment as whistleblowing.