Category: News
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External Whistleblowing: How It Can Benefit Corporate Social Responsibility
The Role of External Whistleblowing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) External whistleblowing can be a powerful tool for promoting corporate social responsibility. By prioritising ethical behaviour and transparency, businesses can improve stakeholder trust and attract top talent. Additionally, businesses that are proactive about addressing unethical behaviour are more likely to avoid legal action and reputational damage. In…
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OPINION: The value of hotlines in helping staff ‘speak up’ about wrongdoing
Whistleblowing hotlines and multi-channel approaches are crucial to the successful implementation of an organisation’s whistleblowing policy. As a specialist in whistleblowing, I have seen the positive impact that embracing a speak-up environment can have on an organisation’s culture and reputation, and one of the key aspects of a successful whistleblowing process is offering true channel…
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Whistleblower Investigations Process
Author: Broccan Tyzack-Carlin, Safecall Ltd Whistleblower investigations & Conducting a whistleblowing investigation: A simple 4-step whistleblowing investigation procedure for conducting an internal workplace investigation Conducting a whistleblowing investigation thoroughly and expertly is a crucial aspect of corporate compliance, so it’s essential to have the correct process in place to investigate potential wrongdoings. This is not always…
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Modern Slavery in the UK & the Importance of Whistleblowing
What is Modern Slavery? Modern slavery covers various forms of exploitation, including: Despite being illegal, modern slavery remains a significant problem in the UK in many sectors – notably agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. In 2022, the NRM received 16,938 referrals of potential victims of modern slavery, which represents a 33% increase in referrals compared…
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HMICFRS Inspections Report – How can whistleblowing services help UK Fire Rescue Services?
In March 2023, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) released a report on “the values and culture of all 44 fire and rescue services (FRSs) in England”. The inspections identified ‘a failure to demonstrate positive values as well as evidence of poor behaviours’. Roy Wilsher, HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services…
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EU Whistleblowing Directive – 2023 Update
What is the EU Whistleblowing Directive? The European Union (EU) Whistleblowing Directive is a legislative act that aims to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in both public and private sectors across EU Member States. The Directive provides a framework for the protection of whistleblowers, which is essential in facilitating the disclosure of information on illegal…
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Whistleblowing Benchmark Report 2023 – Highlights
The annual Safecall Whistleblowing Benchmark Report is out this month. Each year this benchmarking report produces some interesting research insights, and this year is no different. The results can best be summed up as: a return to pre-Covid normal for some; systems and people under pressure for others. Download the full report Whistleblowing Rates of…
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Checklist for Promoting a Feedback or Whistleblowing Service to Senior Management
When gaining buy-in for new feedback or whistleblowing systems from senior management, remember: When you’re trying to gain buy-in for the introduction of a feedback and whistleblowing service, the proposal should be framed in terms of how it will help your organisation’s leaders achieve their goals. Here is our checklist for proposing a feedback and whistleblowing service to…
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Checklist for Promoting a Feedback or Whistleblowing Service to Employees
When promoting a whistleblowing hotline to your employees, remember: Our latest research shows that 10.4% of HR respondents believe their colleagues may fear reprisal when reporting wrongdoing. Outsourcing your reporting process helps minimise this fear. Educating colleagues and promoting this service ensures that your employees feel as comfortable as possible when making a report, which benefits for your company as a…
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New Portal Update 2023
In 2022, we launched our new and improved portal. The deadline to switch over is approaching… We are aware some users may have not accessed the new portal, and experienced the benefits of the improved system. It is important to note that from the 20th February onwards, the previous version of the portal will be discontinued. This will ensure…
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7 Key Factors for an Effective Whistleblowing Policy
With increasing emphasis on the importance of ethical business practices for staff, customers and the wider public, firms are looking for ways to engender trust in their business. One of the most successful ways to do this is to implement an effective and impartial whistleblowing policy. That’s because demonstrating a commitment to developing a culture of…
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Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022: How will whistleblowing regulations change in Ireland?
On 1 January 2023, significant changes to Irish whistleblowing law will be introduced. The Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, which implements the EU Whistleblowing Directive and amends the original Protected Disclosures Act 2014, will widen the scope of protections for whistleblowers and mandate extra rigour for whistleblowing policy. Before this key date, it is imperative to ensure…