Deciding to become a whistleblower against your company is a very brave decision to make, and one that not a lot of people take lightly. Before you make your public moves, it is important that you have your case properly prepared to bring attention to it where necessary and at the right time. Here are some of the things you need to know before getting started.
What is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an individual within an organisation who brings the public’s attention to some wrongdoing of the company. This could be to the actions of a government or private body, as both have happened frequently – and in a number of high profile cases – over the years. Whistleblowing is also usually connected to fraud, corruption, or lies that the organisation has told the public to manipulate their image.
This can be a very dangerous position to take, especially if a whistleblower goes to the mainstream media with the story. Though it is often illegal to do so, many whistleblowers can receive some form of retaliation from their employers such as employment termination, and their professional reputation can end up in tatters. However, it is important to remember that many countries have protections in place for whistleblowers that should help to keep them safe in the eyes of the law.
Find a Lawyer
As soon as you make the decision to become a whistleblower, you should consult with a lawyer in some capacity. Choosing to speak to a firm of professionals such as the Springhouse solicitors will give you some ideas about what your next steps should be, and what repercussions you should anticipate.
You might end up not even needing their help in the case, but their advice at the start can be invaluable. Trust that anything you tell them will remain confidential and just between the two of you, until you decide to take the case further.
Gather Evidence
The most important part of any whistleblowing case is the evidence that you will present to back up the claims you are making. You need to start gathering this as soon as possible, and make sure that you properly organise all of it. It is also a good idea to make copies and backups, just in case anything should happen. Duplicates are a good idea in a delicate situation like this.
Your lawyer will be able to tell you more about what can be submitted as evidence and what you need to do to keep it safe. Make sure you follow their advice.
Take Care of Yourself
Choosing to become a whistleblower is going to place a massive amount of mental pressure on you, both in a professional and a personal sense. You need to make sure that you are taking the right steps to protect your health and mental wellbeing as you prepare to present your case.
Remember that you are protected by the law, and you are drawing attention to some wrongdoing that needs to be corrected. Though it can be terrifying to do, it is often the right decision to make.
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