Whistleblowing: An Overview

Whistleblowers perform an important service by bringing to light allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement and by reporting what they reasonably believe to be evidence of wrongdoing. They must not be subject to or threatened with reprisal for doing so. Employees who blow the whistle play a critical role in keeping our organization’s programs and operations honest, efficient, and accountable. Federal laws (such as the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act) strongly encourage employees to disclose wrongdoing and protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

It’s important to remember, whistle blowing is not the corporate equivalent of being a tattletale. Whistleblowers who are acting in accordance with the law and public safety serve a vital purpose for ensuring ethical misconduct is halted and even punished. And whistleblowers are protected by Federal laws against retaliation – such as adverse actions, when reporting misconduct.