Description

This course is designed for employees, workers and other eligible individuals who require an understanding of protected disclosures, commonly known as whistleblowing, and the procedures and protections associated with reporting wrongdoing within the workplace. The course introduces the principles of protected disclosure and the relevant legislative framework, including the Employment Rights Act 1996 in Great Britain and the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 in Northern Ireland. Learners consider the criteria that must be satisfied for a disclosure to receive legal protection, including reasonable belief that the disclosure is in the public interest, relates to qualifying wrongdoing and is made through an appropriate reporting route. Learners explore the types of wrongdoing that may form the basis of a protected disclosure, including criminal offences, sexual harassment, risks to health and safety, environmental damage, miscarriages of justice, failures to comply with legal obligations and deliberate concealment of wrongdoing. The course also considers who may qualify for whistleblowing protection and the distinction between protected disclosures and individual employment grievances. The course examines the rights and protections available to whistleblowers, including confidentiality and anonymity, protection against detrimental treatment and access to appropriate support. Learners also consider their responsibilities where they become aware that another individual has made or intends to make a protected disclosure, including maintaining confidentiality, providing appropriate support and avoiding victimisation or detrimental treatment. Learners are guided through the protected disclosure process, including recognising potential wrongdoing, making an internal disclosure and, where appropriate, reporting concerns externally to a relevant prescribed person or body. The course considers the information that should be included within a disclosure, the investigation process, communication of outcomes and circumstances in which concerns may be escalated. Finally, the course considers the protections available following a disclosure and examples of detrimental action, including bullying or harassment, demotion, loss of opportunities, reduction in work or hours and dismissal. Learners are introduced to potential routes for further action where detrimental treatment occurs, including employment tribunal processes and relevant sources of support. Overall, the course aims to give learners the knowledge required to recognise qualifying wrongdoing, understand their rights and responsibilities and raise workplace concerns through appropriate protected disclosure procedures.

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