Overview

This Whistleblowing Bill aims to create a stronger, independent system for protecting whistleblowers in the UK. It establishes a new Office of the Whistleblower to set standards, investigate complaints, and provide support and redress for those who report wrongdoing.

Description

The bill establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower, led by a Whistleblowing Officer and overseen by a board of directors. The Office will set minimum standards for handling whistleblowing reports across various organizations (relevant persons, including employers, regulators, and public authorities). It will investigate complaints, issue information and action notices, and order redress for whistleblowers who suffer detriment as a result of their disclosures. The bill defines "protected disclosures" as information revealed in the public interest relating to various matters such as criminal offenses, regulatory breaches, and mismanagement of public funds. It also introduces civil and criminal penalties for those who fail to comply with the new standards or retaliate against whistleblowers. The existing Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 will be repealed.

Key features:

• Creation of the independent Office of the Whistleblower.
• Setting of minimum standards for handling whistleblowing cases.
• Provision of support and advice services for whistleblowers.
• Power to investigate complaints and order redress for detriment.
• Introduction of civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or retaliation.
• Repeal of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Government Spending

The bill states that expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Whistleblowers: The bill significantly strengthens protections for whistleblowers, providing them with a more independent and robust system for reporting wrongdoing and seeking redress.
• Employers and Organizations: Relevant persons (employers, regulators, public authorities, etc.) will be subject to new standards and obligations regarding the handling of whistleblowing disclosures, with potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance.
• Regulators and Public Authorities: These bodies will have new responsibilities in overseeing whistleblowing within their spheres of influence and cooperating with the Office of the Whistleblower.
• The Judiciary: The First-tier Tribunal will handle appeals related to decisions made by the Office of the Whistleblower.

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