Listen Challenge Debate: Navigating the complexities of whistleblowing

Listen Challenge Debate: Navigating the complexities of whistleblowing

Kathryn Higgs, CEO and Founder, Ethics Triage, Lesley Wan, GC & Company Secretary, All Africa Capital Limited and Anthony Kenny, Legal Director UK&I, GSK shared tactics and strategies on this crucial topic.

Here are the key takeaways:

Whistleblowing is often misunderstood. It's not about personal grievances but about reporting serious misconduct with public implications, such as fraud.

GCs play a pivotal role in creating a safe environment and fostering a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up and secure in reporting issues.

Ensure there are clear policies and procedures in place for handling whistleblowing.

Establish programs designed to train team members to distinguish between whistleblowing and grievances.

Be prepared to navigate the challenges that arise when involving external counsel, such as conflict of interest. Different advisors bring different strengths.

Regularly assess how prepared your organisation is for handling whistleblowing cases.

After whistleblowing, the whistleblower may face consequences and the organisation learn important lessons. Maintain confidentiality, communicate regularly and be human. Consider the impact of whistleblowing on individuals involved and treat everyone involved with an open mind and respect.

In summary, whistleblowers face challenges and provide organisations an opportunity to address material issues. Different jurisdictions have different approaches to whistleblowing, but maintaining confidentiality and disclosing wrongdoing is crucial.

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