How to comply with global whistleblowing regulations (2025)

Global whistleblowing regulations evolve so fast, every compliance professional should ensure their organisation’s reporting channels and protections are up to date. Is your compliance programme ready for 2025?

Why is it important to comply with global whistleblowing regulations?

Global whistleblowing laws and regulations are designed to protect individuals who report misconduct, corruption, or other illegal activities within organisations. These laws vary significantly across countries, with at least 59 nations enacting some form of whistleblower protection. However, the effectiveness of these protections differs widely. For instance, while some countries offer comprehensive safeguards for both public and private sector employees, others provide limited or no protection, leaving whistleblowers vulnerable to retaliation.

International conventions, such as the United Nation's Convention Against Corruption, have recognised the importance of whistleblower protection, yet the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain inconsistent globally. Organisations must prioritise compliance with whistleblower protection regulations to avoid fines, maintain employee trust, and enhance corporate responsibility. Compliance reduces the risk of reputational damage and contributes to a speak up culture that empowers employees to report misconduct confidently.

How to comply with global whistleblowing regulations

Global whistleblowing regulations have been evolving over time and organisations must keep up with it. But this still doesn’t mean people will always come forward in the event of a misconduct. Recent studies find only 4 in 10 employees report it. That’s why it is of utmost importance that as an organisation, you set the tone right – and create a strong ethical environment. Here are some good steps to follow.

1. Define whistleblowing and its scope clearly

‍Whistleblowing typically involves reporting activities like theft or unethical behaviour such as discrimination. It's crucial to note that not all personal grievances are covered unless they serve the public interest. This distinction is vital for setting up reliable internal reporting procedures for handling cases, which can significantly vary across companies.

2. Adopt a proactive approach to managing cases

Whistleblowing is increasingly seen as a tool for corporate governance and regulatory compliance, and even integrity management. As such, it’s crucial for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to managing allegations or disclosures pointing to misconduct within the organisation. This involves creating clear, accessible channels for reporting and ensuring that every report is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Whistleblowing software can help with this, as it allows organisations to manage cases more effectively.

3. Navigate legal frameworks

The EU Whistleblower Protection Directive has set a precedent for comprehensive protection and reporting systems. It requires organisations to establish accessible reporting channels, maintain confidentiality, and protect whistleblowers from retaliation, among other requirements. Meanwhile, most EU member states  have already complied with the directive. Understanding and integrating these specific legal requirements into your whistleblowing policies is essential based on your location.

4. Early detection of misconduct

‍With the regulatory landscape around the world changing and the expected tightening of regulations, you must stay aware of what that means for you. Whistleblowers often provide the first indications of organisational misconduct or unethical behaviour. By encouraging a speak up culture that supports reporting, organisations can detect and address issues early, preventing escalation and more severe consequences. This early detection is crucial for managing potential risks and maintaining integrity.

5. Tailor your whistleblowing system

‍There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to whistleblowing management systems. They must be integrated into the cultural environment and governance of the enterprise, with a clear emphasis on non-retaliation against whistleblowers. As an organisation, you must have in place a whistleblowing system which has customisable case management features, allowing you to tailor the system to fit the unique needs of your organisation.

6. Enhance compliance and security

Understanding the nuances of laws like the EU Directive can ensure your organisation is always compliant with the most reliable internal reporting channel. ‍SpeakUp leads in providing solutions that help navigate complex regulations while building a speak up culture. Our platform offers unparalleled privacy and security features, meeting the highest standards of information security (ISO27001, ISO27002, ISO27701) and privacy regulations.

Don’t let misconduct remain hidden, act early

Ensuring your organisation complies with existing whistleblowing laws and encouraging insiders to report misconduct can be challenging, particularly if employees feel unsafe speaking up. To effectively transform regulations from paper into action, establishing a transparent speak-up culture is crucial – which is a fundamental pillar of a resilient and ethically driven organisation.

At SpeakUp, we've been helping organisations in cultivating a speak up culture for over two decades. We are fully audited according to ISAE3000 Type II/SOC2, offering a level of assurance that goes beyond standard certifications. We provide 2000+ organisations with the tools necessary to create an environment in which speaking up about wrongdoings is encouraged, and voices from within the organisation is heard – so you can identify misconduct early and act.