Office of the Whistleblower Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Establishes an independent Office of the Whistleblower to receive and oversee disclosures.
• Provides statutory protections for whistleblowers against detriment (e.g., dismissal or disciplinary action).
• Sets duties on organisations in public and private sectors to handle disclosures, cooperate with the Office, and support whistleblowers.
• Creates governance and funding arrangements for the Office, including appointment of a director or equivalent.
• Provides a framework for investigations, remedies, and annual reporting to Parliament.

Progress

The bill is currently at the Lords’ Second Reading. If it progresses, it will move to Committee stage in the Lords for more detailed scrutiny.