Written by In the House of Commons on Wednesday 18th December 2024, Gareth Snell MP (Labour/Co-operative, Stoke-on-Trent Central) put forward a Ten Minute Rule Bill calling for the creation of an independent Office of the Whistleblower. The Bill, backed by cross-party support, seeks to improve protections for whistleblowers and to strengthen the framework through which concerns about potential wrongdoing are raised.
A “Thankless Task”
Mr Snell began by acknowledging the personal and professional risks often taken by whistleblowers, describing their efforts as “thankless” but vital for maintaining transparency and accountability. He emphasised that those who courageously highlight malpractice or wrongdoing frequently face reputational damage or career setbacks, despite acting in the public interest.
Current Framework Under Scrutiny
The Bill calls for reform of the current approach, which treats whistleblowing primarily as an employment matter. At present, legal redress usually takes the form of employment tribunals, placing the burden on individuals to prove they have suffered occupational harm. According to Mr Snell, this narrow focus fails to address the wider repercussions that whistleblowers face, including harm to their personal reputations and livelihoods.
Proposal: Office of the Whistleblower
Central to the MP’s plan is the establishment of a dedicated body that would monitor and enforce standards for whistleblowing cases. Under the proposed system, an Office of the Whistleblower would:
- Offer a central reporting mechanism – where individuals could submit concerns in confidence.
- Oversee and direct investigations – ensuring consistency and effective follow-up.
- Collect and analyse data – to identify systemic failings and emerging patterns across different sectors.
- Order redress – to ensure that genuine whistleblowers are protected from reprisals.
Mr Snell drew attention to the fragmented nature of current arrangements, pointing out that there are around 88 separate regulators with some form of whistleblowing oversight. He argued that consolidating the process under a single office would help prevent duplication and ensure concerns are properly followed up.
Government Position
While the Government has yet to signal firm backing for this specific proposal, Mr Snell noted a broader willingness within Whitehall to strengthen protections for whistleblowers. He referenced ongoing work on a so-called “duty of candour” Bill, which would oblige public servants to speak out when they spot wrongdoing, and reforms in the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill aimed at tackling workplace harassment.
Shifting the Culture
Mr Snell closed his speech by urging a cultural change around whistleblowing. Rather than viewing it as a last resort once harm has occurred, he argued that officials and employees alike should feel “compelled and supported” to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity. Doing so, he claimed, would deter wrongdoing, save considerable sums of public money, and avert potential tragedies.
Next Steps
The motion received support from across the Commons, allowing the Bill to be formally introduced. Its Second Reading is scheduled for Friday 25 April 2025. Although Ten Minute Rule Bills rarely become law without strong government backing, supporters believe that its aim to protect and empower those who speak out is likely to attract further cross-party interest.
Should the Bill progress, the proposed Office of the Whistleblower may become an important new feature of the regulatory landscape. Advocates of reform hope it will offer greater confidence to workers and the public alike, encouraging them to speak up when they detect misconduct—knowing that the law, and a dedicated watchdog, stand firmly behind them.
Disclaimer
This article references parliamentary proceedings dated 18 December 2024, drawn from Hansard at https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024-12-18/debates/F3399642-C26A-464A-A72C-003754523A93/OfficeOfTheWhistleblower. It is provided solely for informational purposes. For the authoritative text and complete legislative details, please consult the official parliamentary record.