Whistleblowing service

The definition of whistleblowing is ‘Bringing an Activity to a sharp conclusion as if by the blast of a whistle’ (Oxford English Dictionary). ‘Raising concerns about misconduct within an organisation or an independent structure associated with it’ (Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life).

The whistleblowing helpline is a 24-hour service, where your employees can call and register their concerns about misconduct within your organisation.

The European Convention on Human Rights was incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) which reflects article 10 of this Convention in providing the right to freedom of expression. The PIDA came into force on 2 July 1999. It provides significant protection against victimisation or dismissal to workers who blow the whistle, in good faith, on criminal behaviour or other wrongdoing, either within the company or externally. The Act is not a method of pursuing a grievance (employees are encouraged to access their HR Department for details of their Grievance Procedure, and any policies on Ethical Standards or Company Codes of Behaviour that may be in place). Employers cannot opt out of the PIDA provisions. There is no qualifying period for protection for workers making a disclosure and no upper limit to the level of compensation that can be awarded. If a worker makes a protected disclosure and is dismissed as a result, the dismissal is automatically unfair.

Actions that constitute malpractice include the following:

• A criminal offence
• Failure to comply with a legal obligation
• Miscarriage of justice
• Endangering of individuals’ health and safety
• Damage to the environment
• Deliberate concealment of information relating to the above

Any concerns of a grievance or personal nature within the workplace should be taken up with your HR department or line manager per the relevant company policy.

The helpline is run by HealthHero, Europe's leading digital healthcare company. It's free to use, confidential, and available 24/7.

Yes, it is confidential. Your name will not be shared with any party without your consent.

When you call the whistleblowing helpline you'll speak with a HealthHero counsellor.

You'll be asked what you wish to disclose. You'll also be asked if you'd like feedback.

No – you can remain anonymous if you wish.

Yes, you may request feedback following the investigation of your disclosures. If you've chosen to remain anonymous, any feedback will come to you via the HealthHero team.

We only retain those records that we're required to keep under GDPR legislation.