Overview

This bill establishes an Office of the Whistleblower in the UK to support individuals who report wrongdoing within their organisations. The Office will provide advice, support, and potentially financial redress to whistleblowers, while also overseeing and monitoring relevant bodies to ensure the proper handling of disclosures.

Description

The Office of the Whistleblower Bill creates a new government office responsible for administering arrangements to facilitate whistleblowing. Key responsibilities include:

• Guidance and Support: Acting as a point of contact for whistleblowers seeking to make disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (or its Northern Ireland equivalent).
• Panel of Advisors: Establishing and maintaining a panel of legal firms and advisory bodies to provide advice and support to whistleblowers.
• Financial Assistance: Maintaining a fund to support whistleblowers and providing financial redress to those harmed by their disclosures.
• Oversight: Giving directions to and monitoring relevant bodies to ensure confidentiality and appropriate handling of disclosed information.
• Annual Reporting: Publishing an annual report on its activities to Parliament.

The bill defines a "whistleblower" as someone making a protected disclosure under existing legislation. The bill will extend to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and will come into force upon being passed.

Government Spending

The bill necessitates the establishment of a new government office and a fund to support whistleblowers. While specific figures aren't provided in the bill text, the government will incur costs associated with staffing, administration, and potential financial redress payments.

Groups Affected

• Whistleblowers: This bill could positively impact whistleblowers by providing better support, protection, and potentially financial compensation.
• Employers/Organisations: Organisations may face increased scrutiny regarding their handling of whistleblowing disclosures.
• Government: The government will be responsible for funding and overseeing the Office of the Whistleblower, incurring associated costs.
• Legal Professionals and Advisory Bodies: Legal firms and advisory bodies could be involved in the panel established by the Office, potentially increasing their workload.

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