A review by the Whistleblowing Commission has made a series of recommendations, including calls for a fresh code of practice on whistleblowing to be adopted in UK workplaces.
It says that current legislation is not working and change is needed to support whistleblowers to speak out without fear of adverse repercussions. However, BMA doctors have warned that any new code of practice on whistleblowing should not lead to duplication or confusion. Commenting on the issue, BMA council chair Mark Porter said: “While the publication of the commission’s report is welcome, the BMA feels that the focus must be on the application of good practice at a local level and the development of greater awareness among staff of local policies. The Government must ensure that any adoption of another code of practice, while it may clarify these processes, does not lead to duplication or confusion.” Dr Porter has supported the Commission’s idea that doctors be covered by PIDA (the Public Interest Disclosure Act) and its lack of support for financial incentives for whistleblowing. He said: “The Commission’s recommendation that GPs and student healthcare workers, including doctors, be covered by PIDA, is something we feel the Government should also take forward.”
