Whistleblowing

Question 1

what is whistleblowing

Answer 1

one who reveals wrong doing within an organisation to the public or to those in positions of authority
- this wrong doing relates to information about misconduct in their workplace that they feel violates the law or endangers the welfare of others

Question 2

what are the 2 types of whistle blowing

Answer 2

1. internal whistleblowing
2. external whistleblowing

Question 3

what is internal whistleblowing

Answer 3

when an individual raises concerns within the organisation

Question 4

what is external whistleblowing

Answer 4

when an individual raises concerns outside the organisation

Question 5

give reasons why people don’t whistleblow

Answer 5

1. fear- repercussions from management and colleagues
2. time- workload
3. not mandatory
4. thinking someone else will report it
5. lack of knowledge about whistleblowing
6. not promoted by organisations culture
7. feeling isolated and lacking support and advice

Question 6

what is the public interest disclosure act

Answer 6

protects whistleblowers from detrimental treatment by their employer when making a disclosure in the public interest

Question 7

what are the qualifying disclosures in the public interest disclosure act

Answer 7

1. someones health and safety is in danger
2. damage to the environment
3. a criminal offence
4. the organisation is not obeying the law
5. failure to comply with a legal obligation
6. miscarriages of justice
7. a deliberate attempt to cover up wrongdoing

Question 8

what are the ethics of whistleblowing

Answer 8

1. must be prepared to challenge the judgement of your colleagues and other professionals if you have a reason to believe that their decision could affect the safety or care of others
2. must speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong

Question 9

what are the steps to consider in whistleblowing

Answer 9

1. record concerns, evidence
2. get advice
3. internal disclosure
   - supervisor
   - safeguarding teams
4. external disclosure
5. regulators
   - CQC
   - GPhC
6. MPs and councillors
7. media

Question 10

what is the consequence after whistleblowing

Answer 10

may be given a fitness to practice sanction

Question 11

what is the law on buying legal drugs for personal use from the internet

Answer 11

buying legal drugs for personal own use is not illegal
- but supplying them is illegal
- once the product is brought into the UK and exposed for onward sale or supply, UK medicines legislation will apply