Whistleblower protection is essential for safeguarding the public interest, for promoting
a culture of accountability and integrity in both public and private institutions,
and for encouraging the reporting of misconduct, fraud and corruption wherever it
occurs. While many countries are increasingly developing legal frameworks to protect
whistleblowers, more can be done to mainstream integrity and promote open organisational
cultures. This report analyses whistleblower protection frameworks in OECD countries,
identifies areas for reform and proposes next steps to strengthen effective and comprehensive
whistleblower protection laws in both the public and private sectors.
Implement whistleblower protection broadly, covering all who carry out functions related
to an organisation’s mandate.
Clearly communicate the processes in place and raise awareness through training, newsletters,
and information sessions about reporting channels and procedures to facilitate disclosures.
Encourage countries to develop review mechanisms to identify data, benchmarks, and
indicators relative to whistleblower protection systems and the broader integrity
framework in order to evaluate effectiveness and monitor performance.