Topic Guide: Whistleblowing

Some best practice guides contain a caveat that open reporting is the ideal form of reporting; concerns raised openly can be easier for the organisation to quickly understand and address,[1] and risks of an environment of mistrust developing are minimised.[2]

Nevertheless, a whistleblower must have the right to keep their identity confidential to protect them from potential risks and retaliation and to allow the organisation to establish the facts of a case discreetly.[3]

Some organisations may also choose to enable anonymous reporting, although additional standards and guidelines for anonymous reporting are recommended and discussed below.