It is essential to consider the views and wishes of the whistleblower when deciding how to handle a concern under the National Whistleblowing Standards (the Standards). The INWO has seen recent examples where
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the individual raising a concern felt ‘pushed’ into the whistleblowing procedure under the Standards, without adequate opportunity to discuss other relevant routes to resolving their concerns
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boards appeared reluctant to investigating eligible concerns under the Standards even when the individual raising the concern is asking for this course of action.
We know it’s not always straightforward to determine whether a concern is eligible for investigation under the Standards. We recognise it may be appropriate to direct individuals to other procedures and that sometimes boards will decide a concern cannot be handled under the Standards. Equally, nobody should become a whistleblower without agreeing to be so.
Our advice to practitioners
Before any decision is made, make sure the individual bringing the concern is given
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time and privacy to explain their concern
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support from the outset, including being able to be accompanied by a colleague or TU rep if they want to
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enough information to make an informed decision about the best route forward, including explanations around confidentiality and access to support and protection
Further guidance is available in our quick reference guide for managers receiving concerns and Part 3 of the Standards has more information relating to the pros and cons of accessing the Standards vs raising an anonymous concern.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please get in touch at [email protected].