Resources for Chief Executives

The Public Interest Disclosure Act requires public bodies to support employees who come forward to report serious concerns by:

• Providing information to employees about how to report wrongdoing
• Appointing a senior official as a Designated Officer to receive and investigate reports of wrongdoing
• Establishing procedures to:
  • Fairly and effectively manage and investigate reports of wrongdoing
  • Protect the identity of employees who report wrongdoing and maintain the confidentiality of information
  • Assess the risk of reprisal to employees who speak up
  • Report on the outcomes of investigations and any recommendations made
• Training staff about their rights and responsibilities under the Act

Chief Executives of smaller organizations may opt out of creating procedures for managing reports of wrongdoing and appointing a Designated Officer following consultation with the Ombudsperson. A Chief Executive of a public body that did not establish procedures must investigate any disclosures received from employees in consultation with the Ombudsperson, or may refer the disclosure to the Ombudsperson.

Chief Executives that do not have procedures should contact the Ombudsperson immediately following receipt of a report of wrongdoing from an employee.