Whistleblowing

When an employee raises concerns about wrongdoing, it’s vital to act quickly and carefully. Whistleblowing, or making a protected disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, protects workers reporting serious wrongdoing. Mishandling a protected disclosure can lead to costly claims, serious reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny. We’ll guide you through the process with practical, clear advice at every step.

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Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing policies and procedures

We’ll draft and review your whistleblowing polices and procedures, so that they meet legal requirements and fit your organisation. We cover reporting routes, investigation standards, confidentiality, and how to escalate concerns safely.

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Training for boards, managers, and HR

We deliver training that builds confidence in handling disclosures and confidentiality. Your team will understand their legal duties and know how to respond without creating risk.

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Immediate Response to Disclosures

We’ll help you assess reports quickly and decide the right course of action. Our advice covers triage, scope, suspension, evidence, confidentiality, data protection, and protecting all parties involved.

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Employment Tribunal defence

If a whistleblower brings a claim, we’ll act fast to protect your position. We handle and defend whistleblowing detriment and dismissal claims. We will draft pleadings, prepare witnesses, manage disclosure, instruct counsel, negotiate settlements, and pursue costs or strike-out where appropriate.

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Questions we’re often asked

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What is a protected disclosure?

A disclosure about wrongdoing, made in the public interest, meeting statutory criteria.

Who is protected when whistleblowing?

A wide range of workers are protected. This includes employees, some contractors, agency staff and LLP members.

Can someone be dismissed for whistleblowing?

Dismissals linked to protected disclosures are automatically unfair. There’s no limit on compensation.

Do concerns have to be raised internally first?

Not always, but follow internal policy where safe and appropriate.

How fast should we respond to a disclosure?

Act quickly. Assess the situation, protect the whistleblower, gather evidence and plan the investigation carefully.

What remedies are available for victimisation?

Compensation for detriment, reinstatement, re-engagement, declarations, and even interim relief before a full hearing in some cases.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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