Whistleblowing in higher education

The UK has seen several high-profile whistleblowing cases exposing poor practices at universities.

In July 2024 a staff whistleblower at Aberdeen University reported they are not sufficiently equipped and trained to deal with the scale of severe mental health issues and risks of serious self-harm at one of their accommodation halls.

Whistleblowers’ actions frequently prompt investigations, reforms, and enhancements in university policies and practices, highlighting the need for their support and protection.

Whistleblowing in the higher education sector (HE) refers to the act of reporting unethical, illegal, or improper conduct within colleges and universities.

Whistleblowing can include a wide range of issues such as financial mismanagement, academic fraud, discrimination, harassment, safety violations, and other forms of misconduct. Higher education whistleblowers in this sector can be staff, students, or other stakeholders who witness or become aware of such activities.

There are laws to protect whistleblowers including the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998; introduced to provide a range of measures to enable whistleblowers to make protected disclosures and provide a mechanism for them to seek redress if they were victimised as a result of their disclosures.

It can be a controversial area which can raise ethical dilemmas, such as balancing loyalty to the institution with the duty to report wrongdoing. Institutions must foster an ethical culture that encourages transparency and accountability. 

Examples of whistleblowing scenarios in HE could include:

• Scholarship or financial mismanagement.
• Academic fraud, for example fabricating research data to secure grant funding.
• Student discrimination or sexual misconduct.
• Admission scandals.
• Plagiarism.

Managing the risk

Managing the risks arising from whistleblowing in HE is crucial to ensure the process is handled effectively and ethically. Here are some strategies and best practices for managing these risks:

• Develop clear policies and procedures - easily accessible and clearly outlined process for reporting concerns, investigation steps and protections available to whistleblowers.
• Ensure legal compliance - stay informed about relevant legislation and ensure compliance.
• Promote a culture of transparency and accountability - foster an ethical culture where transparency, accountability, and integrity are valued.
• Provide training and awareness - conduct regular training sessions for staff and students on the importance of whistleblowing, how to report concerns, and the protections available to whistleblowers.
• Establish confidential reporting mechanisms - create multiple secure and confidential reporting channels, including anonymous hotlines, online reporting systems, and designated individuals.
• Implement strong anti-retaliation measures - clearly communicate that retaliation against whistleblowers will not be tolerated. Monitor and address any instances of retaliation, taking swift and appropriate action against individuals who engage in retaliatory behaviour.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations - use independent investigators when necessary to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of the process.
• Support whistleblowers - offer resources such as counselling and legal advice to help them navigate the reporting process and any challenges they may face.
• Communicate outcomes and actions - keep whistleblowers informed of investigation progress and outcomes, within the bounds of confidentiality and legal constraints.
• Review policies and procedures - ensuring they remain effective and aligned with best practices. Solicit feedback from stakeholders and incorporate lessons learned from past cases to improve the process.
• Engage experts - in complex or high-profile cases, consider engaging external experts - legal advisors, insurers or independent investigators. They provide objective insights and ensure the integrity of the investigation.
• Learn from incidents - track metrics such as the number of reports received, time to resolve cases, and investigation outcomes to identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these strategies, higher education institutions can effectively manage the risks associated with whistleblowing, protect whistleblowers, and maintain a culture of ethical conduct and accountability.