Internal whistleblowing systems: Self-assessment framework for public and private organisations

31 October 2024

Whistleblowing is one of the most effective ways to uncover corruption, fraud, mismanagement and other wrongdoing that threatens public health and safety, financial integrity, human rights and the environment. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information about suspected wrongdoing to individuals or entities believed to be able to effect action. Organisations themselves are often best placed to deal with wrongdoing occurring within their remit, and in practice, most whistleblowers first report such suspected wrongdoing within their organisation. It is therefore essential that organisations, whether private companies or public institutions, provide safe and effective mechanisms to receive and address these reports, as well as robust protection to whistleblowers.

Transparency International has developed this self-assessment framework to support organisations in establishing, implementing and reviewing their internal whistleblowing systems, so that they are effective and in line with best practice and international standards, Transparency International’s IWS Best practice for public and private organisations and the ISO Guidelines for Whistleblowing Management Systems. It also seeks to help organisations operating within the EU to meet their obligations under the EU Directive on Whistleblower Protection.

The framework is aimed at organisations across the public, private and “third” sectors in any jurisdiction, including international organisations. It involves 130 questions covering eight dimensions of an effective IWS, from its scope and the protection it offers, to communicating within and about the system, and monitoring its effectiveness. The questions are designed to detect any factors that could compromise an organisation’s IWS. By addressing the findings, organisations can ensure their IWS is effective and meets best-practice and international standards.

It is available in three formats: