Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee

Recommendation 17

17

Whistleblower support predominantly relies on nominated officers and case-by-case handling.

Conclusion
We asked both HMRC and DWP how they currently support whistleblowers. HMRC told us the majority of support comes from nominated officers within the department but it also points people to other sources of advice and support, such as the employee assistance programme, the trade unions or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).43 The Cabinet Office also said it is principally through the nominated officer route. DWP added that it deals with whistleblowers on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the individual and the circumstances being investigated.44