Whistle Blowing Policy and Process (Protected Disclosures)

The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 provided for a framework of statutory protections for whistleblowers in Ireland. The Act has been substantially overhauled by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, which came into operation on January 1st 2023. Previously only public bodies were mandated to have a policy and reporting channels  but now this applies to all employers with more than 50 employees and to smaller organisations in some specific sectors. The legislation has strict requirements for follow-up, feedback and the protection of the identity of a reporting person.

Do you have an fit-for-purpose whistle blowing policy and process that meets the legislative requirements in your organisation?  Have you appointed designated persons to receive reports? Do your employees know where to go with disclosures?  Do they understand their options?  Do managers in your organisation know how to act on receipt of reports?  Do people in your workplace understand that there must be no retaliation against whistle blowers or anyone connected to them?

Get in touch to discuss how we can help you ensure your organisation is in compliance with the law.  We also offer training for designated persons, managers and board members, briefing of staff to help them understand what a protected disclosure is (and what it’s not) and build awareness of the  internal reporting process.