About this course
Staff often see problems long before anyone else does. This short course explains how whistleblowing works, so concerns get raised early and people feel protected when they speak up.
It covers what counts as a protected disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, who to raise a concern with, the protection from detriment and dismissal, and how organisations should respond.
What learners cover
- What whistleblowing is and how it differs from a grievance
- Qualifying and protected disclosures under PIDA
- Who to report to internally, and prescribed persons externally
- Protection from detriment, dismissal and victimisation
- How a whistleblowing report should be handled and recorded
Course content
The course is delivered in short, bite-size sections that learners can stop and restart at any point.
- Section 1
Speaking up
Why concerns go unreported, the culture that changes it and the difference between a grievance and a disclosure.
- Section 2
The law
The Public Interest Disclosure Act, qualifying disclosures and the protections available.
- Section 3
Raising a concern
Internal routes, prescribed persons, evidence and confidentiality.
- Section 4
Handling reports
What organisations should do on receiving a report, feedback to the whistleblower and protection from reprisal.
Who it is for
All employees, managers who may receive a concern, and anyone responsible for governance or compliance.
Entry requirements: No prior knowledge is needed. The course is written in plain English and suitable for all staff.
How it is delivered
Fully online and self-paced
Learners work through the course at their own pace and can pause and resume where they left off.
Any device
Works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile, with audio, video and written transcripts throughout.
Interactive throughout
Scenarios, exercises and images keep learners engaged rather than clicking through slides.
Knowledge checks
Short checks at the end of each section so learners can see what has landed before moving on.
Average completion time is around 30 mins, though learners can take as long as they need and return as often as they like.
How it is assessed
Knowledge checks run throughout the course so learners can test understanding as they go. The course ends with a multiple-choice assessment taken online. Learners who do not pass first time can retake it.
Certification
Learners receive a Highfield Online Training digital certificate as soon as they pass the end-of-course assessment. Certificates download straight away and can be saved to a CPD log or staff training record.
Refresher guidance: Most employers refresh this training every 12 months, or sooner if the law, roles or workplace risks change.
How it works for teams
- 1. Choose how many licences you need and pay by card, or request an invoice.
- 2. Add your learners' names and email addresses.
- 3. We set them up on the course platform and they receive their login by email.
- 4. Track who has been set up from your account.