Clean as a whistle: a five step guide to better whistleblowing policy and practice in business and government

Abstract

This report presents key findings and actions flowing from the research project Whistling While They Work 2: Improving managerial responses to whistleblowing in public and private sector organisations - one of the world's largest studies into whistleblowing, and the first large-scale project to focus on management of whistleblowing across business and government. Coinciding with the roll-out of new corporate requirements in Australia, and proposals for further reform of whistleblower protection laws by governments from New Zealand to the European Union, the research helps pinpoint key actions which will make the difference for successful implementation of whistleblowing policies - at organisational and whole-of-government levels. This guide works as a companion to new regulatory requirements, guidance and proposed standards for whistleblowing policies, programs and reform. Whistleblowing is a vital pillar in the integrity, governance and compliance systems of every organisation, and healthy, corruption-free institutions across society as a whole. These key findings and actions identify what needs to be done, at practical and policy levels, to ensure this positive role is realised for all our benefits.