This month: updates in our sector-specific advice pages, food-sector scandal, further info on CBI and more!👍customer
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April Newsletter
Toxic workplaces have dominated this month’s news. The CBI acted swiftly to dismiss their Director General following an internal investigation, but the fallout following other very serious sexual misconduct concerns has led to an existential crisis for the organisation. The last two DGs said they were unaware of the rape allegations – but should they have been? Where were the whistleblowers and why weren’t concerns escalated? Other employers should take note: there’s danger in failing to listen to staff. With effective arrangements Boards should know if their workplace culture presents a risk to the business, and employers should take swift action on concerns. The speed of social media means reputations can vanish overnight. The CBI has promised changes including training and a new whistleblowing channel but restoring confidence – and reputation – will be a long haul.
Elsewhere, the resignation of Dominic Raab as Secretary of State following an inquiry about bullying might send a strong message to whistleblowers in government that speaking up makes a difference. Yet the focus of Adam Tolley KC’s review was to establish the facts behind the formal complaints made, not to address the wider cultural problems in the civil service. Josie Stewart’s case highlights some of the challenges of speaking up in the civil service.
Azeem Rafiq’s whistleblowing highlighted racism in cricket, but other sports also need to change: this month an investigation into rugby revealed the extent of racism there. Sportspeople need whistleblower protection, as I wrote in The Times, or these scandals will continue.
Consumers suffer when whistleblowers are afraid to speak up. Fraud and widespread criminal activity – is under investigation in the meat industry after unsafe practices and passing-off foreign pork as British were revealed. Ten years after the horsemeat scandal, can we trust our food is safe? It seems that employees were aware of this activity, but too scared to speak up. Read Protect's full blog here.
What's New?
Handling a Whistleblowing Concern
Due to successful feedback, 'Handling a Whistleblowing Concern' will return on 10 May 2023. Our whistleblowing masterclasses are designed to give a comprehensive understanding of what an effective whistleblowing set up looks like and how to implement it correctly.
Whistleblowing as a Solicitor
Solicitors can speak out too! Our new webpage identifies the processes and protection available to solicitors blowing the whistle.
Whistleblowing in the Charity Sector
Knowing how to raise your concerns, as well as who with, can be a complicated task. Explore the charities section of our site to find out how best to approach this situation, and navigate other complications that may arise.
April Highlights
The Guardian
"Whistleblowers provide employers the gift of information" - Elizabeth was quoted in The Guardian this month commenting on the CBI sexual misconduct investigation.
The Carer
Can health workers blow the whistle without being scared of detriment? Nicholas Hayes and Andrew Pepper-Parsons, from Protect, collaborated on a guide for whistleblowers in the health sector.
Personnel Today
As more staff employed by CBI step forward with fresh allegations, Personnel Today contacted Elizabeth Gardiner to share her whistleblowing expertise and how better speak up procedures will improve the current culture.
The Guardian reached out to Protect's head of policy, Andrew Pepper-Parsons, for a comment on the latest updates to the CBI sexual misconduct case.
HR Magazine
The UK government plans to make businesses liable for employee fraud. Protect's Legal director, Sybille Raphael, comments "Whistleblowers prove to be better and much quicker than internal audit at identifying fraud.”
Energy Voice
Protect's Legal Advisor, Caitlin Comins, warns oversight in the Just Transition leaves offshore workers “at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.”
Do you need advice on how to raise a concern in the safest and most effective way?
