Whistleblowing services, workplace investigations & workplace training: A Glossary

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• 70-20-10 Model

  This model states that the most effective way of learning is that learners gain 70% of their knowledge through on-the-job experiences, 20% through job related social interactions and 10% through formal training.

• Access Control

  Mechanisms that restrict access to data and resources based on user roles and permissions.

• Accreditation

  The process by which an organisation or program is officially recognised and certified as meeting certain standards.

• Adaptive Learning

  This is a personalised approach to learning where the training is customised to the learner’s level of knowledge, learning preferences and needs.

• Agile Learning

  This approach to training and development focuses on flexibility and speed. A key element is collaboration where employees support each other’s growth and take responsibility for their self development.

• AI

  Artificial Intelligence (AI), enables machines, to mimic the decision-making and problem-solving capabilities of the human mind.

• Allegation

  “A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically made without proof.”

• Anonymous Reporting

  A method of disclosing or submitting information about wrongdoing without revealing one’s identity.

• Appreciative Inquiry

  Appreciative inquiry is an approach to learning where organisations focus on the positive aspects of their business to build upon and improve.

• Asynchronous Learning

  Asynchronous learning enables learners to work on content at a time and place that suits them. It is based on pre-recorded learning materials or online courses and offers flexibility for learners.

• Audit Trail

  “A record of all changes and actions performed within the software, used for tracking and accountability.”

• Automation

  “The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention, often to improve efficiency and accuracy.”

• Balance of Probabilities

  “The standard of proof in workplace investigations, meaning that something is more likely than not to be true.”

• Bias

  “A tendency to favour one side or outcome over others, which can affect the fairness of an investigation.”

• Blended Learning

  An education program that combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods.

• Blended Learning

  This type of learning combines facilitator-led training with eLearning, curated resources, independent exploration, and practice.

• Bribery

  “Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.”

• Business Ethics

  “Principles and standards that guide behaviour in the world of business, ensuring actions are morally right and socially responsible.”

• Case

  “An individual instance of a problem, issue, or request that needs to be managed and resolved.”

• Case Lifecycle

  “The stages a case goes through from initiation to resolution, including creation, investigation, resolution, and closure.”

• Case Management

  “The process of handling and overseeing cases from initiation to resolution, ensuring they are managed efficiently and effectively.”

• Case Manager

  “A person responsible for overseeing and managing cases, ensuring they are handled efficiently and effectively.”

• Centralised Database

  “A single, unified database where all case-related information is stored and managed.”

• Chain of Custody

  “The chronological documentation or paper trail showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence.”

• Code of Conduct

  “A set of guidelines designed to set out acceptable behaviours for members of a particular group, association, or profession.”

• Competency

  “A specific skill, knowledge, or ability that is required to perform a job effectively.”

• Complainant

  The person who makes a complaint or reports an issue.

• Compliance

  “Adherence to laws, regulations, and company policies, often monitored through whistleblowing systems.”

• Compliance Training

  Training that must be completed by specified roles at certain times to comply with government regulations. Examples include health and safety courses and training on financial regulations or information security.

• Confidential Reporting

  Reporting misconduct with the assurance that the reporter’s identity will be protected and not disclosed without consent.

• Confidentiality

  Ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorised to have access and is protected throughout the investigation process.

• Conflict of Interest

  “A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional duties, often a subject of whistleblowing reports.”

• Continuous Learning

  Continuous learning is the constant improvement of skills throughout a learner’s lifetime. It means that learners continuously develop their skills in order to adapt to changing needs.

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

  Ongoing training and education to maintain and enhance professional skills.

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

  CPD is an individual’s continued training and education in the workplace. It equips employees with the tools and skills they need to perform in their current job role, prepares them for advancement and keeps them up to date on industry trends and best practices.

• Cooperative Learning

  Cooperative learning involves collaboration and knowledge sharing in groups. It focuses on common goals, mutual support, and collective learning to achieve deeper understanding.

• Corporate Governance

  “The system by which companies are directed and controlled, focusing on the internal and external corporate structures with the intention of monitoring the actions of management and directors.”

• Corporate Learning

  Corporate learning aims to ensure organisations perform well and remain competitive. Corporate learning is usually a mix of traditional and digital educational training to improve the skills of the workforce.

• Corroboration

  “Evidence that confirms or supports a statement, theory, or finding.”

• Corruption

  “Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.”

• Dashboard

  A visual interface that provides an overview of key metrics and data related to case management.

• Data Encryption

  The process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorised access.

• Data Protection

  “Measures to safeguard personal data, crucial in handling whistleblowing reports to comply with regulations like GDPR.”

• Digital Learning

  Also known as eLearning or online learning, includes anything that embraces learning through technology, such as websites, eBooks, social media and online communities, online lectures, webinars and podcasts.

• Digital Literacy

  Digital literacy refers to the knowledge, skills and understanding required to use technologies effectively.

• Discovery Learning

  Discovery learning is when learners find solutions through discovery. This involves asking questions and using experience and existing knowledge of a topic. Discovery learning is similar to real-world training in that learners will be more likely to remember information or situations for which they have actively discovered the solution.

• Discrimination

  “Unfair treatment of a person or group based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.”

• E-learning

  “Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet.”

• eLearning

  eLearning means using interactive digital learning content to develop knowledge and skills.

• Encryption

  The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorised access.

• Escalation

  The process of raising a case to a higher level of authority or expertise when it cannot be resolved at the current level.

• Ethics Hotline

  A service that allows employees to report unethical behavior anonymously.

• EU Whistleblowing Directive

  A regulation requiring EU member states to implement laws protecting whistleblowers and establishing secure reporting channels.

• Experiential learning

  Gaining knowledge and skills through hands-on or on-the-job experience.

• External Reporting

  Reporting misconduct to external bodies such as regulators or law enforcement.

• External Whistleblowing

  “Reporting misconduct to external entities such as regulators, law enforcement, or the media.”

• Facilitator

  A person who helps a group to have an effective dialogue without taking any side of the argument.

• Fact-Finding

  The process of gathering information and evidence to determine what happened in a particular situation.

• Feedback

  Feedback, in educational terms, is used in education and work environments to assess learning progress or performance. It promotes self-reflection, and identification of strengths/weaknesses, and provides opportunities for improvement.

• Flexible Learning

  Flexible learning enables the individual to learn at a time, place and pace that suits them. It uses different learning methods such as e-learning or blended learning to meet the needs of the learners.

• Formal Learning

  Structured training that takes place in a planned setting (e.g. in a classroom or online). It involves experienced trainers, mentors, and instructors who share their knowledge with learners.

• Fraud

  “Intentional or criminal deception for personal or financial gain, often reported through whistleblowing channels.”

• Future Learning

  Future Learning refers to future-oriented learning that prepares for evolving technologies, working conditions, and challenges by developing the learner’s skills.

• Future Skills

  Future Skills are key competencies that are important for the future world of work. These include critical thinking, creativity, digital competence, emotional intelligence and adaptability.

• Gamification

  Gamification is used to make training scenarios more entertaining and encourage higher levels of engagement with a course or platform through using elements of game design.

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

  A regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union and the European Economic Area.

• Grievance

  A formal complaint raised by an employee within the workplace.

• Harassment

  “Aggressive pressure or intimidation, often in a workplace context, based on characteristics such as gender, race, or age.”

• Hard Skills

  Hard skills are measurable and learnable abilities acquired through education, training or experience. They are concrete, subject-related and specific, such as technical knowledge, foreign languages or mathematical skills.

• Hotline

  A dedicated phone line or online platform for reporting misconduct anonymously or confidentially.

• Impartiality

  The principle of being unbiased and fair during an investigation.

• Incident Management

  “The process of identifying, analysing, and correcting hazards to prevent a future re-occurrence.”

• Informal Learning

  Learning happens away from a formal classroom environment, and learners set their own goals and objectives. There are many methods, for example a learner might research a subject independently, use self-study, or participate in forums or webinars.

• Instructional Design

  The practice of creating educational experiences that make the acquisition of knowledge and skill more efficient and effective.

• Integration

  The ability of the case management software to connect and work with other systems and applications.

• Internal Reporting

  Reporting misconduct within the organization through designated channels.

• Internal Whistleblowing

  Reporting misconduct within the organisation through internal channels.

• Investigation

  The process of examining a whistleblower’s report to determine its validity and take appropriate action.

• Investigation Report

  “A document that summarises the findings of an investigation, including evidence gathered, conclusions reached, and recommendations made.”

• Investigator

  “The person responsible for conducting the investigation, gathering evidence, and making findings.”

• Just-in-time Learning (JIT)

  Just-In-Time Learning (JIT) enables on-demand, point-in-time learning. It provides targeted information or training precisely when it is relevant for the learner to complete specific tasks or challenges.

• Learning Culture

  This is a broad term to describe how learning ‘usually happens’ in an organisation. An open and continuous learning culture is a key enabler for innovation is often the aim of a learning culture.

• Learning Cycles

  Learning cycles describe recurring learning phases in which learners discover, apply, reflect on, and deepen their understanding of new concepts.

• Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

  A learning platform where the user chooses their own learning pathway from a diverse range of personalised content.

• Learning in the Flow of Work

  Learning in the flow of work is when employees learn within their existing workflow. It aims to provide development without disrupting the work environment.

• Learning Management System (LMS)

  “A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses or training programs.”

• Learning Management System (LMS)

  A system through which administrators can assign and track eLearning content and other learning within an organisation.

• Learning Needs Assessment

  A learning needs assessment identifies the specific learning requirements of an individual, group or organisation. It assesses existing competencies, identifies gaps, and informs the development of tailored learning solutions.

• Learning on Demand

  Learning on Demand allows employees access to real-time knowledge, at a time, place, and pace of their choosing.

• Learning Organisation

  A learning organisation promotes continuous learning and knowledge sharing at all levels. It creates a culture of learning in which employees share their knowledge, drive innovation and develop together.

• Learning Path

  A learner’s route through a range of learning activities, which allows them to build knowledge progressively.

• Mandatory Training

  Mandatory training is defined by a selection of compulsory training courses that are prescribed by companies and must be completed by certain groups of people. The aim is to inform employees about legal requirements, safety regulations or company guidelines.

• Mentoring

  A professional relationship in which an experienced person (the mentor) assists another (the mentee) in developing specific skills and knowledge.

• Microlearning

  A type of learning that delivers short bursts of content for learners. It can take different forms, from text to interactive multimedia and it’s usually no longer than five minutes in length.

• Misconduct

  “Unacceptable or improper behaviour, especially by an employee or professional person.”

• Module

  A self-contained unit of a course or training program.

• Money Laundering

  “The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.”

• Multi-Channel Reporting

  “The ability to report cases through various channels, such as phone, email, web forms, and mobile apps.”

• Natural Justice

  “The principle that ensures fair decision-making, including the right to a fair hearing and the rule against bias.”

• On-the-Job Training (OJT)

  Training provided to employees at their workplace while they are doing their job.

• Peer-to-Peer Learning

  Peer-to-peer learning promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration among employees at the same level within an organisation. Learners share experiences, competencies, and best practices in a learning community.

• Protected Disclosure

  Information provided by a whistleblower that is protected under law from retaliation.

• Pseudonymisation

  Replacing private identifiers with fake identifiers or pseudonyms to protect the individual’s identity.

• Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA)

  UK legislation that provides protection for whistleblowers.

• Public Whistleblowing

  “Disclosing information about wrongdoing to the public, often through the media.”

• Real-Time Reporting

  The ability to generate and view reports instantly as data is collected and processed.

• Reporting Channel

  “A system or method through which whistleblowers can report misconduct, which can be written or oral.”

• Respondent

  The person against whom a complaint or allegation is made.

• Retaliation

  Adverse action taken against someone for reporting misconduct or participating in an investigation.

• Role-Based Access

  “Access permissions assigned based on the user’s role within the organisation, ensuring that users only have access to the information they need.”

• Scalability

  The capability of the software to handle increasing amounts of work or to be expanded to accommodate growth.

• Self-Paced Learning

  A method of learning that allows individuals to control the pace at which they progress through course materials.

• Self-Service Portal

  An online platform where users can submit and track their own cases without needing to contact support directly.

• Skill Gap

  The mismatch between the skills required by an employer and the skills employees actually possess.

• Social learning

  Learning by sharing with others. It can take place formally and informally, such as through conversations with colleagues in the office or through digital learning methods like participation in online forums or webinars.

• Soft Skills

  “Personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.”

• Soft Skills

  Also known as interpersonal skills, refer to someone’s behavioural competencies such as language, communication, and social skills, personality traits etc. which characterise the way they form relationships and interact with others.

• Suspension

  “Temporarily preventing someone from continuing their work duties, often while an investigation is conducted.”

• Synchronous Learning

  A type of real-time interactive online learning.

• Testimony

  A formal written or spoken statement given as evidence.

• Training

  An activity or series of activities to boost productivity, skills, performance, and knowledge.

• Training Needs Analysis (TNA)

  A process used to determine what training is necessary to improve performance or address a specific issue.

• Transparency

  “Openness, communication, and accountability in business practices.”

• Upskilling

  Learning new skills or teaching employees new skills. A culture of upskilling is a culture that focuses on closing talent gaps by teaching workers new skills.

• Virtual classroom

  A digital learning environment that allows instructors and students to interact with each other and engage in learning.

• Webinar

  A seminar conducted over the internet.

• Whistleblower

  A person who informs on a person or organisation engaged in an illicit activity.

• Whistleblower Hotline

  A service that allows employees to report unethical behavior anonymously.

• Whistleblower Policy

  A formal document outlining the procedures for reporting and handling whistleblowing cases.

• Whistleblower Protection

  Legal and procedural safeguards to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

• Whistleblower Reward

  “Incentives provided to whistleblowers for reporting misconduct, more common in the US than the UK.”

• Whistleblowing

  Reporting unethical or illegal activities within an organisation.

• Whistleblowing Awareness Campaign

  Initiatives aimed at educating employees about the importance of whistleblowing and how to report misconduct.

• Whistleblowing Best Practices

  Recommended methods and strategies for effectively managing whistleblowing within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Case Management

  “The process of handling and resolving whistleblowing reports, including investigation and follow-up actions.”

• Whistleblowing Case Management System

  A digital platform used to manage and track whistleblowing cases.

• Whistleblowing Channel

  “A means through which whistleblowers can report issues, such as a hotline or online portal.”

• Whistleblowing Compliance

  Ensuring that an organization’s whistleblowing practices adhere to relevant laws and regulations.

• Whistleblowing Culture

  The organizational environment that encourages and supports employees to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

• Whistleblowing Data Analytics

  The use of data analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns in whistleblowing reports.

• Whistleblowing Framework

  The overall system and policies in place to handle whistleblowing within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Helpline

  A service that provides support and guidance to whistleblowers.

• Whistleblowing Hotline Provider

  A third-party service that offers whistleblowing hotline solutions to organizations.

• Whistleblowing Incident Reporting

  The process of documenting and reporting incidents of misconduct or unethical behavior.

• Whistleblowing Investigation

  The process of examining a whistleblower’s report to determine its validity and take appropriate action.

• Whistleblowing Investigation Protocols

  The guidelines and procedures for conducting investigations into whistleblowing reports.

• Whistleblowing Legal Framework

  The set of laws and regulations that govern whistleblowing in a particular jurisdiction.

• Whistleblowing Mechanism

  Tools and processes used to facilitate whistleblowing within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Monitoring

  The ongoing process of overseeing and evaluating whistleblowing activities within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Policy

  A document outlining the procedures for reporting misconduct and the protections for whistleblowers.

• Whistleblowing Policy Communication

  Informing employees about the whistleblowing policy and how to report misconduct.

• Whistleblowing Policy Compliance

  Ensuring that an organization’s whistleblowing policy meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Whistleblowing Policy Development

  The process of creating and implementing a whistleblowing policy.

• Whistleblowing Policy Enforcement

  Ensuring that the whistleblowing policy is actively applied and followed within the organization.

• Whistleblowing Policy Evaluation

  Assessing the effectiveness of the whistleblowing policy and making necessary improvements.

• Whistleblowing Policy Implementation

  The process of putting a whistleblowing policy into practice within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Policy Integration

  Incorporating the whistleblowing policy into the broader compliance and governance framework of the organization.

• Whistleblowing Policy Management

  Overseeing the implementation and maintenance of the whistleblowing policy.

• Whistleblowing Policy Monitoring

  Regularly reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of the whistleblowing policy.

• Whistleblowing Policy Reporting

  Documenting and communicating the outcomes of whistleblowing reports and investigations.

• Whistleblowing Policy Review

  The process of evaluating and updating an organization’s whistleblowing policy to ensure it is effective and compliant with current regulations.

• Whistleblowing Policy Training

  Educating employees about the organization’s whistleblowing policy and how to use it.

• Whistleblowing Policy Update

  “Making changes to the whistleblowing policy to reflect new laws, regulations, or organizational changes.”

• Whistleblowing Portal

  An online platform where employees can report misconduct anonymously or confidentially.

• Whistleblowing Procedures

  The specific steps and processes involved in reporting and handling whistleblowing cases.

• Whistleblowing Program

  A comprehensive initiative designed to encourage and manage whistleblowing within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Protocol

  The formal guidelines and rules governing how whistleblowing reports are to be handled.

• Whistleblowing Report

  The information provided by a whistleblower regarding misconduct or unethical behavior.

• Whistleblowing Reporting Channels

  “The various methods available for employees to report misconduct, such as hotlines, online portals, and email.”

• Whistleblowing Response Plan

  The strategy for addressing and investigating whistleblowing reports.

• Whistleblowing Risk Assessment

  Evaluating the potential risks associated with whistleblowing and implementing measures to mitigate them.

• Whistleblowing Risk Management

  “The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks related to whistleblowing.”

• Whistleblowing Safeguards

  Measures put in place to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and ensure their safety.

• Whistleblowing Software

  Digital tools designed to facilitate the reporting and management of whistleblowing cases.

• Whistleblowing Standards

  The criteria and benchmarks used to evaluate the effectiveness of whistleblowing programs.

• Whistleblowing Strategy

  The overall approach and plan for managing whistleblowing within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Support Services

  “Assistance provided to whistleblowers, such as legal advice, counseling, and protection.”

• Whistleblowing System

  The infrastructure and processes in place to manage whistleblowing reports and protect whistleblowers.

• Whistleblowing System Implementation

  The process of setting up and maintaining a whistleblowing system within an organization.

• Whistleblowing Training

  Education provided to employees about how to report misconduct and the protections available to whistleblowers.

• Whistleblowing Training Programs

  Educational initiatives designed to inform employees about whistleblowing policies and procedures.

• Whistleblowing Trends

  Patterns and developments in whistleblowing practices and reports over time.

• Whistleblowing Trust

  The confidence that employees have in the whistleblowing system and its ability to protect them.

• Whistleblowing Workflow

  The sequence of steps involved in handling a whistleblowing report from submission to resolution.

• Whistleblowing Workflow Automation

  The use of software to streamline the process of handling whistleblowing reports.

• Witness

  “A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place and may provide evidence during an investigation.”

• Workflow

  A sequence of tasks and processes that are followed to manage and resolve a case.

• Workflow Automation

  “The use of software to automate the steps in a workflow, reducing the need for manual intervention.”

• Workplace Misconduct

  Inappropriate behaviour by employees or other stakeholders that negatively impacts the organisation or its members.

• Workplace Training

  Training provided to employees to improve their skills and knowledge related to their job.