UK HR teams urged to improve whistleblowing training amid growing 'speak up' culture

Organisations are potentially facing the risk of reporting managers not being aware how to respond to allegations of wrongdoing and investigations not being conducted transparently and fairly, according to the findings.

The whistleblowing survey, conducted by an independent third party and commissioned by Safecall, a specialist whistleblowing services provider, suggests that HR managers and directors should reconsider their whistleblowing processes to enhance awareness and foster greater trust among employees.

53% of the respondents indicated that their staff receive regular training on how to deal with whistleblowing matters and investigations.

An encouraging 88.4% of respondents reported having a whistleblowing policy in place, marking an improvement from 2022 when 17% did not have such a policy. While there is no legal requirement for a whistleblowing policy, it is encouraged under The Bribery Act 2010 and government guidance.

Over 25% of organisations surveyed do not offer a telephone hotline for whistleblowing reports, which may hinder accessibility. Hotline calls are shown to be 50% more likely to receive reports of issues like bullying, harassment, victimisation, or racism due to the value of conversation they provide.

The survey indicates a growing shift toward using external whistleblowing services providers. Employees are more comfortable making reports when using a hotline, as it allows them to remain anonymous if requested.

While 94% of respondents agreed that training for workplace investigators is necessary, only 49% said their investigators had received formal training. The lack of formal training for investigators poses significant risks for organisations, particularly regarding legislative and tribunal processes.

While a majority believe their employees feel safe and confident when reporting wrongdoing, the proportion of employees who "generally feel safe" in wrongdoing has risen from 43% to 52%.

Joanna Lewis, Managing Director at Safecall, emphasised the need for organisations to review and promote their whistleblowing processes, strengthen their confidential reporting hotlines, and ensure their procedures are independent and robust. Building a culture of trust can improve workplaces, attract top talent, enhance understanding within the organisation, and provide tools to address issues effectively.

Joanna Lewis concludes,“This survey’s findings highlight a real opportunity for companies and organisations to review their whistleblowing processes, promote them better to their employees and ensure their confidential reporting hotlines and procedures are robust and independent.

“Taking the steps to build a culture of trust in your organisation will not only improve the workplace for your employees, but also attract great people who want to work for you; enable you to better understand what is going on in your organisation and, perhaps most importantly, give you the tools to help you solve any issues.”