Before making a whistleblowing claim, if you believe you have witnessed, or become aware of serious wrongdoing in your workplace, it is natural to assess your options before telling anyone about it.
You may be concerned about the following things:
- Have I fully understood the situation?
- Is the wrongdoing illegal or in breach of my employer’s legal duties?
- Will I be sacked if I reveal what I have seen or become aware of?
- Will it alter my position in the company?
- Will I be treated differently as a result of whistleblowing?
All of the above thoughts and feelings are completely normal. We would recommend you raise the issue early on, so that you don’t run out of time. Every employee is different, and while some may want tough action, others might prefer to adopt a peace-making approach.
It is also worth noting that depending on the industry you work in, the route you should take to blow the whistle may be different. It’s crucial that you get this right.