ISO 37002:2020 Whistleblowing

ISO 37002:2020 is a globally recognized standard that focuses primarily on providing guidance for whistleblower management systems. It offers comprehensive guidance for organisations wishing to establish or improve their procedures for handling allegations of misconduct or unethical behaviour in the workplace in order to protect whistleblowers.

This standard describes the policies, procedures and practices that organizations can put in place to effectively manage whistleblower allegations and whistleblower protection.

37002:2020 is recognized guidance for:

Establishing a whistleblowing system - guidance on setting up mechanisms to enable individuals to confidentially and safely report any perceived misconduct or unethical behaviour.

Whistleblower protection - recommendations for protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, ensuring their confidentiality and offering support throughout the whistleblowing process.

Employee morale and engagement - knowing that their concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately can positively impact employee morale and engagement. Employees are more likely to contribute to a healthy work environment if they feel their voice is heard and valued.

Investigation and follow-up - procedures for handling reported incidents, conducting fair and impartial investigations, and taking appropriate action on findings.

Documentation and record keeping - guidance on keeping accurate records of reported incidents, investigations undertaken and actions taken in response to reports.

Continuous improvement - suggestions for regular evaluation and improvement of the whistleblower management system to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness.

By adhering to the principles outlined in ISO 37002:2020, the organisation will create a culture that promotes transparency, ethics and accountability while providing a safe and trusted channel for employees or stakeholders to report issues without fear of retaliation.

• Among the primary benefits associated with implementing ISO 37002:2020 and achieving certification is compliance with the Whistleblower Protection Act if applicable in destination of organization.
• This will reduce the risk of non-compliance and the associated legal consequences.
• Effective whistleblowing processes will ensure that whistleblowing is handled quickly, confidentially and impartially. This efficiency can lead to more timely resolution of issues.
• A well-established and certified system for dealing with whistleblowing according to ISO 370002:2020 will help to maintain a positive reputation for the organisation. It shows stakeholders, including customers, investors and the public, that the organization is committed to ethical practices and transparency.