Governance & Compliance

Handling Whistleblowing Reports and Investigations

Whistleblowing reports can reveal fraud, misconduct and safety risks early, but only if they are handled well. This course covers receiving and triaging reports, protecting confidentiality and whistleblowers, planning and conducting investigations, interviewing, evidence, reporting outcomes and preventing retaliation.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Mishandled reports discourage speaking up and can create legal liability. You will learn to manage whistleblowing cases fairly and professionally.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Case triage exercises, investigation planning, interview role plays and reporting practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Receive and triage whistleblowing reports
Protect confidentiality and prevent retaliation
Plan proportionate investigations
Conduct interviews and gather evidence
Reach and report findings
Learn from cases and improve speak-up culture

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Ethics and compliance officers
Investigators and internal auditors
HR and legal professionals
Audit committee support staff
Managers receiving reports

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Case triage
Confidentiality
Investigation planning
Interviewing
Reporting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Whistleblowing

09:00–10:08Value of speaking up
10:08–11:00Legal protections
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Legal protections (continued)
11:45–12:53Channels
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Triage

09:00–10:08Assessing reports
10:08–11:00Prioritisation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Prioritisation (continued)
11:45–12:53Anonymous reports
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Investigations

09:00–10:08Planning
10:08–11:00Evidence
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Evidence (continued)
11:45–12:53Independence
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Interviews

09:00–10:08Interview techniques
10:08–11:00Subject and witness interviews
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Subject and witness interviews (continued)
11:45–12:53Records
12:53–14:00Role plays

Day 5Outcomes

09:00–10:08Findings and reports
10:08–11:00Feedback to reporters
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Feedback to reporters (continued)
11:45–12:53Retaliation prevention
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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