What is a whistleblower?

Typically, whistleblowers expose these actions in the public interest to bring about accountability, transparency, and positive change.

Whistleblowers often provide evidence or information about various forms of misconduct, such as fraud, corruption, safety violations, environmental damage, or human rights abuses.

With the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG), the role of the whistleblower has become even more critical in the fight against worker exploitation and corporate ecological damage.

Whistleblowers can be employees, former employees, contractors, or even people with insider knowledge of the wrongdoing.

They may disclose the information internally within the organisation or externally to the media, government agencies, or social media.

The term “whistleblower” implies that these individuals “blow the whistle” on wrongdoing, raising awareness and often risking personal or professional consequences.

However, many countries hold legal protections and whistleblower laws to shield such people from retaliation or unfair treatment.

Many organisations and companies have detailed whistleblowing policies.

Here is an example of a whistleblowing policy from the Society of Human Resources Management.

Democratic governments and the independent media also encourage the disclosure of vital information – so it can help address corporate misconduct and prevent future harm.

Mark Felt (Deep Throat)

During the Watergate scandal, Mark Felt, an associate director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the 1970s, operated under the anonymous alias “Deep Throat”.

Felt provided crucial information to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of The Washington Post, leading to uncovering illegal activities conducted by the Nixon administration.

Felt’s whistleblowing played a vital role in the investigation, leading to President Richard Nixon’s resignation and shaping public trust in the government.

Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States, made headlines in 2013 when he leaked classified documents to the media.

These documents revealed extensive surveillance programs conducted by the NSA within the United States and globally.

Snowden’s disclosures sparked a worldwide debate on privacy, government surveillance, and the balance between national security and individual rights.

Chelsea Manning

Chelsea Manning, formerly known as Bradley Manning, was an intelligence analyst in the United States Army.

In 2010, she leaked a massive trove of classified military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks, an online whistleblower platform.

These documents exposed controversial actions and policies, such as the killing civilians in Iraq, human rights abuses, and diplomatic secrets. Manning’s disclosures sparked significant discussions about military transparency, government accountability, and the role of whistleblowers.

Government threats

While Snowden and Manning faced enormous scrutiny – and threats – from various US government agencies, their cases illustrate the significant impact whistleblowers can have in exposing wrongdoing, initiating investigations, and bringing about societal change.

If you are considering blowing the whistle on wrongdoing, it’s essential to approach the process carefully and take specific steps to protect yourself and the information you possess. Here are six general steps to consider.

1: Gather evidence

Collect as much relevant and credible evidence as possible to support your claims. This may include documents, emails, photographs, or any other evidence substantiating the wrongdoing. The proof will strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of your concerns being taken seriously.

Understand the applicable laws and policiesFamiliarise yourself with the laws and regulations related to whistleblowing in your country or jurisdiction. Research the whistleblower protection laws and policies to safeguard individuals who expose misconduct.

2: Assess internal reporting channels

Determine if your organisation has internal reporting channels, such as a designated whistleblower hotline, ombudsman, or ethics officer. Review your company’s policies and procedures for reporting misconduct.

Follow the prescribed steps, if available, but be aware that internal reporting may not always be the most appropriate or effective option, especially if the wrongdoing involves high-ranking individuals or systemic issues.

3: Consider external reporting options

If internal reporting is not viable or the organisation is involved in the wrongdoing, consider external reporting.

Identify appropriate external entities, such as government agencies, regulatory bodies, or law enforcement agencies, that handle the specific type of misconduct you wish to report.

Depending on the nature of the wrongdoing, it could be a local, regional, or national authority.

4: Seek legal advice

Consult with an attorney experienced in whistleblower protection and employment law. They can guide your rights, potential risks, and available legal protections.

Legal advice will help you navigate the process effectively and safeguard your interests.

5: Maintain confidentiality

Whistleblowing can be a sensitive and risky endeavour. Take precautions to protect your identity and the evidence you possess.

Consider using secure communication channels and encryption when sharing information.

Anonymity can provide an additional layer of protection, but it may vary depending on your jurisdiction’s reporting channels and legal frameworks.

“It is good ESG practice to ensure that your company has safe and protective channels for whistleblowers to operate confidently,” says David W Duffy, CEO of the Corporate Governance Institute. 

The specific steps and reporting channels may differ based on your location, the nature of the wrongdoing, and the applicable laws and policies in place.

“Researching and understanding the specific guidelines and resources available to whistleblowers in your jurisdiction is essential,” says Duffy.