Overview

This bill establishes an Office of the Whistleblower to strengthen protections for whistleblowers in the UK. It aims to improve the whistleblowing process, encourage reporting of wrongdoing, and repeal the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Description

The bill creates a new Office of the Whistleblower, led by a Whistleblowing Officer and overseen by a board of directors. The Office will set minimum standards for whistleblowing policies, investigate complaints, and provide support to whistleblowers. It will have powers to issue information notices, action notices, redress orders (including financial redress), and interim relief orders. The bill also introduces new criminal offences for subjecting whistleblowers to detriment and for obstructing investigations. Any agreements that prevent whistleblowing are voided. Appeals against Office decisions can be made to the First-tier Tribunal, and further appeals on points of law to the Upper Tribunal.

Key aspects:

• Establishes the Office of the Whistleblower with investigative and enforcement powers.
• Defines protected disclosures and whistleblowers.
• Sets out duties for "relevant persons" (employers, regulators, public authorities etc.) to protect whistleblowers.
• Creates new criminal and civil penalties for wrongdoing.
• Repeals the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending on establishing and running the Office of the Whistleblower. Exact figures are not specified in the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Whistleblowers: Enhanced protection from detriment and improved support mechanisms.
• Employers and organizations: New obligations to protect whistleblowers and comply with stricter standards, potential for civil penalties for non-compliance.
• Regulators and public authorities: Increased accountability and potential involvement in investigations.
• The First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal: Increased caseload related to appeals.

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