• Defining whistleblowing
• What types of concerns are eligible for reporting (qualifying disclosures and public interest)?
• The Law:
  • The EU Whistleblower Directive
  • The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998:
  • Who is protected?
  • What are the legal protections for whistleblowers?
  • Code of practice for employers
• The role of whistleblowing in organisational integrity

• Reviewing or improving your organisation’s whistleblowing policy:
  • Anonymity and confidentiality protocols
  • The employer’s responsibilities

• Overview of reporting procedure
• The reporting channels: available resources and contacts
• Grievances vs qualifying disclosures – establishing the differences and routes to reporting.

Review real-life whistleblowing cases and discuss the outcomes and impacts of whistleblowing action

• Initial response to whistleblowing disclosures:
  • Steps to take upon receiving a disclosure
  • Responding to reports promptly
• Best practices for receiving and documenting reports
• Anonymity and confidentiality in the reporting process

Group discussion on first-hand experiences and concerns

• Conducting effective investigations:
  • Setting up an investigation team and defining roles
  • Managing confidentiality and sensitivity during investigations
  • The role of transparency in the internal investigation process
• Interviewing techniques:
  • Questioning techniques for whistleblower and witnesses
• Analysing investigation results and evidence
• Crafting clear and informative investigation reports
• Recommendations for corrective actions and follow-ups

• What retaliatory action can look like: bullying, harassment
• Liabilities
• Non-disclosure agreements and whistleblowing:
  • How to address fears of retaliation
  • Strategies for addressing potential retaliation.
• Addressing concerns about retaliation
• Determining when to escalate issue

Review and evaluate real-life whistleblowing cases

• Encouraging open and transparent work environment
• Key characteristics of a supportive culture for whistleblowers
• Strategies for effective communication in the workplace
• Assessing internal and external support resources

• Useful resources
• Final questions and feedback