Whistleblowing Policy Template UK
Whistleblowing Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 5 pages · 9 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a whistleblowing policy and who needs one?
A whistleblowing policy tells staff how to raise concerns about wrongdoing, such as fraud, danger or legal breaches, and confirms they are protected from detriment under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. It is not a legal requirement for most employers, but buyers ask for one in governance and ethics sections.
Explains how workers can raise concerns about wrongdoing confidentially and without detriment, in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Why buyers ask for this
Buyers want to know that wrongdoing on their contract would be reported, not hidden. A whistleblowing policy is commonly asked for in governance and ethics questions and shows workers have a safe, protected route to raise concerns.
Who needs it
Any employer; commonly requested in governance and ethics sections of tenders.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "Do you have a whistleblowing policy? Please provide a copy"
- Governance questions on how staff and subcontractors can report concerns confidentially
- Ethics sections alongside anti-bribery and modern slavery questions
- – Supports governance and ethics questions
What's inside
The full whistleblowing policy runs to about 5 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 9 sections:
- Introduction
- Who does this whistleblowing policy apply to?
- What is whistleblowing?
- Which procedure should i use?
- Where can i get advice?
- REPORTING WITHIN THE the Company
- Internal investigation
- What if i am not satisfied with the outcome?
- Protection and support for whistleblowers
Key points covered
- What counts as a qualifying disclosure
- How and to whom to raise concerns
- Confidentiality and anonymity
- Protection from detriment
- Investigation process
- External routes (prescribed persons)
- Review
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
Excerpt preview
We expect all those who work directly or indirectly for the Company to maintain high standards, and we are committed to encouraging a culture in which individuals feel confident that they can raise concerns and challenge poor practice and behaviour. All organisations face the risk of things going wrong from time to time, including the risk of illegal or unethical conduct. Whenever such a situation arises, usually…
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£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
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Answer a few quick questions about your team, reporting routes and sector and we'll build a Whistleblowing Policy around them and email it to you as PDF and Word. Free, no card needed.
Get my free policy →How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Whistleblowing Policy FAQs
Is a whistleblowing policy mandatory?
It is not a general legal requirement for private employers, but it is recognised good practice and widely requested by buyers.
What is a qualifying disclosure?
A disclosure of information the worker reasonably believes is in the public interest and shows wrongdoing such as a criminal offence, a legal breach, danger to health and safety, environmental damage, or a cover-up of any of these (Employment Rights Act 1996, s.43B).
Can workers report to someone outside the business?
Yes. The policy explains internal routes first, and also lists prescribed persons, such as HSE or HMRC, to whom protected disclosures can be made.
How much does the Whistleblowing Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
Free guides
- Tender policy checklist for UK public-sector bids
- Whistleblowing policy requirements: what UK employers must include
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.