Topic Guide: Whistleblowing

Conducting periodic audits of the internal reporting mechanism can help an organisation to improve its policies. Records of the number, type and outcome of complaints should be kept, and a provision be made for independent review by a body such as the board or an audit committee. Indicators to test the effectiveness of a whistleblowing policy could include: a review of staff awareness, trust and confidence in the policy, any complaints of victimisation or failures to maintain confidentiality.[1] Organisations should take care to ensure that the collection and maintenance of records comply with data protection procedures.