Governance & Policy
Whistleblower
Definition
A whistleblower is an individual, typically an employee or contractor, who discloses information about illegal, unethical or dangerous practices within an organisation to people or authorities able to act. Legal frameworks protect whistleblowers from dismissal and other retaliation for qualifying disclosures.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Whistleblower” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
Companies operate speak-up hotlines and case-management systems; ESG assessments treat effective whistleblower mechanisms as governance indicators; due diligence and grievance frameworks (UNGP, CSRD) reference reporting channels; regulators run whistleblower programmes with financial awards.
Why it matters
Protected reporting channels surface environmental, safety and human-rights violations early, making whistleblowing a frontline defence of sustainability commitments.