Category: Industry News

I wholeheartedly welcome the recent announcement by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding its commitment to increase its support for whistleblowers. The decision to address issues raised by those who come forward to alert the regulator to wrongdoing marks a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable financial industry. The FCA’s decision to initiate…

On 26th June, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) published a report detailing the findings of its investigations into the state of equity in cricket. In its executive summary, they state “evidence shows that elitism alongside deeply rooted and widespread forms of structural and institutional racism, sexism and class-based discrimination continue to exist across…

As an employer, or manager, you might ask yourself ‘why is it important to build trust within my organisation?’ Trust is a vital element in any relationship, and the workplace is no exception. If you are able to establish trust within an organisation, and foster a culture which encourages open communication and transparency, the benefits can…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In 2002, the United States Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or SOX. It was introduced to protect shareholders and the general public from accounting errors and fraudulent practices. Although compliance with the measures introduced by SOX may pose challenges to companies, the security, accountability, and rigour it demanded promised to protect employers, employees, and the…

The FIFA World Cup 2022 began last weekend, and all eyes are turned toward Qatar for four weeks of sporting entertainment. The squads are in the Middle-East – it’s the first time the tournament has been hosted in the region – and are preparing for their opening fixtures. But hanging over this prestigious event is…

In whistleblowing terms, the Golden Hour describes the period immediately following an incident or an offence when material is abundant and readily available. When anyone uses a speak up hotline, positive action should be taken by a whistleblowing report manager in the period immediately following the whistleblower report of a crime or breach of company…