Free Whistleblower Policy Template
Download our free Whistleblower Policy Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of a Whistleblower Policy
Purpose of a Whistleblower PolicyA Whistleblower Policy outlines the framework and expectations related to reporting concerns or wrongdoing within the organization. These policies aim to create a safe and healthy working environment by managing the risks associated with workplace hazards, promoting compliance with relevant health and safety regulations, and fostering a culture of prevention and continuous improvement.
How to Use
This Whistleblower Policy template should be customised by a competent person, signed by a top-level manager (e.g. the director), and displayed in the workplace or provided by other means (e.g. website). It should also be communicated to new workers as part of their induction or onboarding process.
This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
This document should be displayed in a prominent area or uploaded to your website/ centralized document system. You should also use it during employee inductions, and you may wish to refresh your workers on the contents of the policy periodically as part of a safety meeting or refresher training.
Who Should Use
This document should be endorsed with the signature of the appropriate top-level manager (such as a director). It can be used by your Safety Advisor, Project Manager, or other Manager/s to communicate the requirements to workers (including new workers).
Legal Considerations
Generally, under the WHS legislation, there is no specific legal requirement to have or display a Whistleblower Policy. However, it is best practice. It can help meet general legal duties, including:
s(19)(3)a WHS Act – Duty to Provide a Safe Working Environment
Workers also have legal responsibilities, including:
- s(28) WHS Act – Duty of workers:
- Taking care of yourself
- Taking care of others
- Following procedure
- Following instruction
FAQ
What is a Whistleblower Policy?
A whistleblower policy is a set of guidelines and procedures established by an organization to encourage employees, contractors, and stakeholders to report suspected or actual instances of unethical, illegal, or improper conduct within the organization without fear of retaliation.
Why are Whistleblower Policies important?
Whistleblower policies are important because they promote transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior within organizations. By providing a mechanism for reporting wrongdoing, these policies help uncover and address misconduct, protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and safeguard the organization’s reputation and integrity.
What types of activities can be reported under a Whistleblower Policy?
Whistleblower policies typically cover a wide range of activities, including financial fraud, corruption, discrimination, harassment, safety violations, environmental violations, conflicts of interest, and other unethical or illegal conduct that could harm the organization or its stakeholders.
Did you know?
Did you know the term “whistleblower” originated from referees blowing whistles in sports games to signal foul play? It later evolved to describe people exposing unethical practices, gaining fame during the Watergate scandal. Now, whistleblowers worldwide bravely speak out against corruption, promoting integrity and fairness.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a WHSMS (Work Health and Safety Management System)? (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-whsms/>
- Work Health and Safety Policy (Safe Work NSW) <https://www.nsw.gov.au/enterprise-investment-trade/policy/work-health-and-safety>