An external whistleblowing service is a third-party service that provides a secure and confidential channel for employees to report concerns about potential wrongdoing or ethical violations in the workplace. Here are some of the benefits of using an external whistleblowing service:
- Confidentiality: One of the key benefits of an external whistleblowing service is that it provides a confidential and anonymous way for employees to report concerns. This can be particularly important in cases where the employee fears retaliation or is concerned about their job security. By using an external service, employees can report their concerns without fear of being identified or punished.
- Expertise: External whistleblowing services are typically staffed by experts in the field of whistleblowing and ethics. These experts can provide guidance and support to employees who are unsure of how to proceed or who have concerns about the potential consequences of their actions. They can also help organisations to develop policies and procedures that support whistleblowers and promote ethical behavior.
- Independence: An external whistleblowing service is independent of the organisation and can provide a neutral perspective on the situation. This can be particularly important in cases where the organisation is suspected of wrongdoing or where there is a conflict of interest. By using an external service, employees can be assured that their concerns will be taken seriously and that any investigations will be conducted fairly and impartially.
- Increased Accountability: By using an external whistleblowing service, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical behavior and transparency. This can help to build trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders, and can help to protect the organisation’s reputation. It also sends a clear message that the organisation takes concerns about wrongdoing seriously and is willing to take action to address them.
- Improved Culture: By encouraging employees to report concerns and providing a safe and secure way to do so, organisations can help to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. This can help to reduce the risk of wrongdoing and can help to create a more positive and productive work environment.
- Adherence to Legislation: Recent changes to legislation, namely the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022, places additional obligations on New Zealand organisations. An external service provider can assist in navigating any complexities that may arise should a disclosure occur that may fall under the provisions of the Act.
Overall, an external whistleblowing service can be a valuable tool for organisations looking to promote ethical behavior, improve accountability, and build trust with employees and stakeholders. By providing a secure and confidential way for employees to report concerns, organisations can create a culture of transparency and accountability that supports ethical behavior and helps to protect the organisation’s reputation.
Key Resources:
The Act: Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022
Expert support for your whistleblowers disclosure programme: Whistleblowers Website
Contact 0800 WITNESS or support@whistleblowers.co.nz for further assistance.
Whistleblowers 