In some recent casework, whistleblowers have told the INWO that they were unaware of any actions taken by their organisation following upheld investigations. However, when the INWO followed up with the organisations, it became clear that actions had been taken — but they hadn’t been communicated to the whistleblowers.
One of the key principles of the Standards is openness. This includes informing people about improvements made as a result of an investigation. Keeping communication channels open is essential for maintaining trust. Whistleblowers are less likely to escalate concerns to the INWO if they are kept informed about progress.
Top Tips for Effective Communication:
- Discuss any action plans and timelines with the whistleblower once the investigation concludes.
- Agree on how often the complainant would like to be updated — and stick to it, even if progress is limited.
- Be transparent about delays, including the reasons behind them.
- Keep whistleblowers informed even if actions are absorbed into “business-as-usual” workstreams. This reassures them that their concerns are still being addressed.