More on whistleblowing news, our MSP training, brand new SME Whistleblowing Scanner and upcoming fundraising run!🤗customer
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February Newsletter
When small businesses face financial pressure and recruitment difficulties, risks are likely to increase and shortcuts may be taken to keep the business afloat. New research suggests that firms are not well equipped to deal with the risks: 17% surveyed don’t have a policy, and 20% said that the arrangements they do have are not trusted by employees, while 40% of those tasked with responding to concerns are not trained.
Step forward our new Whistleblowing Scanner - developed and tested with smaller employers - to help SMEs (50-250 staff) assess whether their whistleblowing arrangements are working. Thanks to a grant from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, we’ve launched our new tool and will send it free to all our level 1 members, and others can purchase direct from our website.
Luxleaks whistleblower, Raphael Halet, has finally won his case: the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has confirmed his Article 10 rights were violated when he was given a criminal conviction. The Court reviewed the principles that should be followed, noting developments in “the place of whistleblowers in democratic society and the leading role they play in bringing to light information in the public interest.” This should make it easier to justify disclosures to the press, particularly in cases like Halet’s where the information revealed was not
unlawful but reprehensible behaviour. However, they’ve retained the “good faith” test that we removed in the UK many years ago.
We were delighted to provide eight training sessions for Members of the Scottish Parliament and their staff to coincide with their joining the ranks of “Prescribed Persons”. Equipped with Protect's bespoke training they should be able to recognise whistleblowing and the challenges that their constituents face. We’ll provide ongoing support for MSPs in the months ahead.
Finally, the staff at Protect will be running 10k around our local Victoria Park to raise money for whistleblowing next month. Any donation is greatly appreciated or you can re-share our Just Giving page.
What's New?
SME Whistleblowing Scanner
Are you a small to medium sized organisation in need of setting up or revising your whistleblowing procedures? Protect's new whistleblowing scanner encourages all sized businesses to implement whistleblowing policy and procedure to protect both employers and employees at work.
Whistleblowing Responsibilities As A Trustee, NED Or Governor Masterclass 24 May 2023
As a NED, Trustee, or Governor how do you oversee your whistleblowing arrangements? What are your whistleblowing obligations? Protect's upcoming masterclass will help you establish and improve successful whistleblowing procedures in your organisations.
Confidentiality Guide
We are excited to be working on our upcoming confidentiality guide. This is being created to help employers develop and improve their understanding of confidentiality procedures, encouraging a better working environment for all. Keep your eyes peeled for this over the approaching months.
February Events
Climate, Whistleblowing and Work
Protect's Legal Director, Sybille Raphael, spoke at the Doughty Street Chambers, as well as the Thought Leaders 4 Dispute's ESG Litigation event. If you want to learn how you can embed whistleblowing as apart of your ESG strategy, book a space on Protect's upcoming Masterclass (26th April).
WIN Podcast
The Whistleblowing International Network have released the latest podcast in their Whistleblowing Now and Then series on the issue of secrecy in the UK with experts including our Head of Policy, Andy Pepper-Parsons.
Charity Chat
Protect featured in another podcast this month as Liz sat down with Charity Chat. If you're interested in learning more about Protect, or what you yourself can expect whilst raising a complaint, this is a brilliant resource.
Protect Chair of Trustees
Are you a passionate, committed and inclusive individual? Do you share the values and mission of Protect, and want to lead the organisation through a crucial time of growth and increased impact? Apply for the Chair of Trustees role, applications will be closing this month.
Business Support Executive
We are searching for a Business Development & Relationship Manager who is enthusiastic to work within our small, but driven team. The Business Support team plays a key role in the charity, as the work with employers supports our whole operation, but also creates safer work environments for whistleblowers.
Do you need advice on how to raise a concern in the safest and most effective way?
