Skip to content
Back
Policies & procedures

Whistleblowing: the governing board's role

Understand what whistleblowing is and the board's role in relation to whistleblowing procedures.

Guidance
14/11/2022

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is a process that allows employees to make a disclosure about suspected wrongdoing, risk or malpractice that affects others. Such disclosures are made where the individual believes they may be exposed to victimisation or other unfair treatment as a result of raising their concern directly through a procedure.

Examples of whistleblowing disclosures include:

  • a criminal offence (such as fraud)
  • a breach of a legal obligation
  • a miscarriage of justice
  • danger to the health or safety of any individual
  • damage to the environment
  • deliberate covering up of wrongdoing in the above categories

Member-only content

Want to read this?

Become a member

NGA members get exclusive access to hundreds of practical resources including guidance, checklists and planners.

We’re here to support you at every stage of your governance journey with expert advice, training, events, and much more.

Learn more

Already a member?

Log in

Related content