Laws protecting whistleblowers have been in place for over two decades in some countries, however it is only recently that effective laws and procedures have begun to be studied comparatively and become one of the priorities of the G20.
At the G20 summit in Seoul in 2010, G20 leaders adopted whistleblower protection as a key element of their global anti-corruption strategy. They highlighted the fundamental value of whistleblowers to governments and companies as a first and often best early warning system for the types of corruption and regulatory failure now proven as critical risks to the global economy. Since this time, whistleblower protection has been an important key factor of financial, economic and regulatory cooperation between G20 countries. Moreover, not only has whistleblowing maintained its prominent position on international and national anti-corruption agendas, but the issue has grown in importance and highlighted whistleblowing's relevance as a corporate governance and regulatory tool.
Countries are under increasing pressure to adopt international best practice and establish systems to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, strengthen their rights and provide safe means for disclosure. Across the globe, varying levels of international best practice have now been adopted in public and private sector laws, though in some countries no laws have yet been passed. In turn, employers need to ensure they have implemented the relevant measure in their offices across the globe to comply with whistleblower laws where they exist.
To help our clients navigate the varying laws which have been adopted to protect whistleblowers, we have produced an extensive guide which looks at the public and private sector laws relating to whistleblowing in 50 jurisdictions across the globe. With experienced lawyers across the globe, our team focuses on the interconnected issues of corporate and employment law compliance which typically arise in whistleblowing scenarios.
We explore:
- The conduct or disclosures that are protected
- The nature of the protection
- The actions that are permitted in relation to the whistleblower and any disclosed information, and
- The remedies/sanctions for non-compliance
This is the most extensive guide to whistleblowing laws that has ever been produced. If you would like to find out more and receive a copy, please click the link on the whistleblowing page. We look forward to hearing from you.
To view the full article please click here.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal practice. We provide the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 3800 lawyers based in over 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare.
Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa (incorporated as Deneys Reitz Inc) and Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, each of which is a separate legal entity, are members ('the Norton Rose Fulbright members') of Norton Rose Fulbright Verein, a Swiss Verein. Norton Rose Fulbright Verein helps coordinate the activities of the Norton Rose Fulbright members but does not itself provide legal services to clients.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.