The UK Bribery Act
in Practice (II)
University of Sussex
29 May 2013
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Public Concern at Work
PCaW is an independent charity, founded in 1993. We
provide:
free confidential advice to people concerned about
wrongdoing in the workplace who are unsure whether or
how to raise their concern
train organisations on policy and law of whistleblowing
campaign on public policy, and
promote public interest whistleblowing laws.
©PCaW 2013 - 00 44 20 7404 6609
Public Concern at Work
Advice Line - statistics
Over 24,000 requests for advice. Advised over 14,000
whistleblowers to date. 688 cases in first quarter of 2013.
20%
18%
16%
14%
12%
10%
8%
2010
6%
2011
4%
2012
2%
0%
©PCaW 2013 - 00 44 20 7404 6609
Source: PCaW
Public Concern at Work
Advice Line - statistics
Breakdown of types of wrongdoing
©PCaW 2013 - 00 44 20 7404 6609
Source: PCaW
The Inside Story
Headlines from the research:
 83% of workers blow the whistle up to two times, usually internally.
 15% of whistleblowers raise a concern externally. However only 60% blow the
whistle externally even on the third attempt. Only 22 individuals raised a
concern four or more times. Half of these went outside their organisation
 74% of whistleblowers say nothing is done about the wrongdoing.
 60% of whistleblowers receive no response from management, either negative
or positive.
 The most likely response is formal action (disciplinary or demotion) (19%).
 15% of whistleblowers are dismissed.
 Senior whistleblowers are more likely to be dismissed.
 Newer employees are most likely to blow the whistle (39% have less than two
years' service).
©PCaW 2013 - 00 44 20 7404 6609
Good whistleblowing arrangements
A lead from the top
Safety valve communication channel
outside the line
Indicate how concerns can be raised
inside and outside
Respect the confidentiality of staff if requested
Access to independent advice
Promote the policy effectively
See Whistleblowing Arrangements Code of Practice PAS1998/2008
Free download: http://www.pcaw.org.uk/bsi
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The Whistleblowing Commission
“to examine the existing arrangements for workplace whistleblowing and
make recommendations for change.”
The Commission is gathering information about the following areas:
1.ATTITUDES TO WHISTLEBLOWING From individuals, organisations and
wider society
2.LAW AND POLICY Is it adequate and effective?
3.REGULATORS Should they be doing more?
4.REWARDS How can whistleblowing be incentivised
5.TRIBUNALS Are they protecting whistleblowers and society at large?
Further information: www.pcaw.org.uk/whistleblowing-commission
©PCaW 2013 - 00 44 20 7404 6609