Should we be whistleblowing?

Wednesday 22 April 2020

Now that plans are in place for a local 'whistleblowing' phone line to keep businesses in check, some people have raised concerns that it might take away from the 'Guernsey Together' spirit.

The line, which will come into effect with Phase Two of the exit strategy, will be used by the community to call out companies that aren't following Public Health's rules.

"Last week I did mention our intention to introduce a whistleblower line as part of Phase Two," President of Health & Social Care, Deputy Heidi Soulsby said during the recent media briefing. "This is a common term used in business and government to enable employees to call out concerns in the workplace without fear.

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby speaking at a media briefing.

"However, we have heard from a number of you who don't think the term is in the spirit of 'Guernsey Together', where we are all seeking to work together against a common challenge."

The line's introduction will tie in with new, looser lockdown measures, allowing more workers to return to their jobs. These are due to come into place at 00:01 on Saturday.

"The difficult line we are trying to walk is asking everyone to adhere to these really strict rules that are having a serious impact on the finances of businesses and individuals, whilst at the same time being aware that it's human nature for some faced with those consequences to push the boundaries," Deputy Soulsby continued.

"To date, we've found engagement and encouragement has worked to ensure widespread compliance, but we need that stick available to enable the community to channel their concerns at a time when we start to ease restrictions."

Further information on both the whistleblowing line and restrictions for businesses will be announced this week, ahead of the lockdown changes.

Pictured: Callers will be able to report businesses breaking the rules.

"We definitely do take on board these comments," said Deputy Soulsby. "We're looking at using one of our existing non-clinical lines and thinking we may call it the 'Guernsey Together hotline', but that's a work in progress.

"We welcome feedback in order to get things as right as we can before the end of the week. We won't get things right all the time and we really are happy to heard from you as to how we can do better."

Comments and questions are being accepted via covid19enquiries@gov.gg.