Whistleblowing with Confidence
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09097
Max group:
12
Learn how to safely and confidently raise concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace.



Course Summary
Whistleblowing with Confidence
This course empowers individuals to understand the importance of whistleblowing, how to raise concerns, and how to do so with confidence and safety. It provides a clear understanding of the rights and protections available to whistleblowers, focusing on best practices for reporting wrongdoing in a way that minimizes risk to the individual and maximizes the effectiveness of the process. Participants will learn how to identify unethical or illegal activities, navigate the formal whistleblowing procedures, and manage any potential challenges that may arise. Emphasis is placed on the legal protections offered to whistleblowers, how to approach the process professionally, and how to foster a culture of accountability and integrity in the workplace. Key Learning Objectives: Understand Whistleblowing Rights and Protections Overview of whistleblowing laws and regulations (e.g., Public Interest Disclosure Act). Understanding the legal protections available to whistleblowers against retaliation and victimization. The importance of confidentiality and safeguarding your identity. Recognize What Constitutes Wrongdoing Defining types of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, health and safety violations, discrimination, and abuse. Learning how to distinguish between personal grievances and legitimate whistleblowing issues. Identifying the signs of wrongdoing that warrant whistleblowing action. The Whistleblowing Process Understanding formal whistleblowing channels and procedures in the workplace. The role of internal and external bodies in handling whistleblowing reports. How to document concerns effectively and approach the right people within the organization. Building Confidence to Speak Up Overcoming fears and barriers to whistleblowing, such as retaliation and reputational risks. Best practices for articulating concerns clearly, professionally, and assertively. Strategies for managing emotions and maintaining professionalism during the process. Dealing with Potential Challenges What to do if your whistleblowing report is ignored or mishandled. How to handle the impact on workplace relationships and potential backlash. Understanding the role of regulatory bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive or regulatory authorities, if internal channels fail. Creating a Culture of Accountability and Integrity How whistleblowing contributes to organizational integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior. Encouraging open communication and protecting those who raise concerns. Strategies for supporting colleagues in speaking up and fostering an ethical work environment. Whistleblowing in the Wider Context How whistleblowing practices fit into broader corporate governance and regulatory compliance frameworks. The importance of whistleblowing for corporate reputation, risk management, and legal compliance. Examining notable whistleblower cases and lessons learned.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Whistleblowing
Definition and significance of whistleblowing
Differentiating whistleblowing from personal grievances
Role in maintaining ethical organizational practices
Importance in preventing harm and promoting safer workplaces
Impact on corporate integrity, governance, compliance, and risk managementModule 2: Legal Framework and Protections for Whistleblowers
Overview of whistleblowing laws (PIDA, Protection from Harassment Act)
Legal protections against retaliation, discrimination, victimization
Confidentiality and legal recourse options
Rights to anonymity and protection from workplace reprisals
Procedures for reporting to external regulatory bodies
Protection when reporting in good faithModule 3: Identifying and Reporting Wrongdoing
Types of wrongdoing: fraud, corruption, abuse, discrimination, unsafe conditions
Recognizing unethical or illegal behavior
Examples of common workplace misconduct
Assessing severity: minor complaints vs. serious misconduct
Understanding “public interest” for legal protectionModule 4: The Whistleblowing Process
Internal reporting procedures (HR, line manager, compliance officer)
External reporting (regulators, ombudsmen, hotlines)
Documenting concerns and gathering evidence
Writing clear, factual, ethical reports
Importance of confidentiality and anonymity
Legal protections for anonymous whistleblowersModule 5: Overcoming Barriers and Building Confidence to Speak Up
Addressing fears of retaliation, discrimination, career harm
Managing isolation, stress, and anxiety
Techniques for assertive, professional communication
Building confidence and self-assurance
Role of workplace culture in encouraging whistleblowingModule 6: Handling Challenges and Potential Backlash
Dealing with retaliation or victimization
Knowing legal rights and how to seek recourse
Documenting and reporting retaliation
Responding to ignored, dismissed, or mishandled reports
Escalating concerns to external bodies when necessaryModule 7: Creating a Whistleblowing Culture
Strategies to promote transparency, trust, and integrity
Encouraging colleagues to speak up and reduce fear
Building supportive environments for whistleblowers
Leadership’s role in modeling ethical behavior
Importance of clear policies, training, and communicationModule 8: Best Practices and Case Studies
Examining real-life whistleblower cases and outcomes
Lessons from successful and unsuccessful reports
Analyzing organizational responses and improvements
Practical tools, templates, and best practice checklists

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;