Whistleblowing

The Public Interest Disclosure (NI) Order 1998 came into operation on the 31st October 1999. The order offers a framework of protection against victimisation or dismissal for workers who blow the whistle on criminal behaviour or wrongdoing as defined in the legislation.

The Department’s policy for handling Public Interest Disclosures can be accessed via the Department of Education Whistleblowing Policy PDF 72 KB (Updated June 2009).

The purpose of the Departmental Whistleblowing policy is to ensure that individuals can confidentially raise concerns, which relate to possible illegal or improper behaviour within the Department of Education without putting their positions at risk.  

The policy applies to Department of Education (DE) employees, trainees, agency staff, independent consultants, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, DE Board Members and members of the public. The policy explains who to contact if you have a concern and how the Department will consider any notifications received. It also advises the level of protection that will be afforded to anyone submitting a genuine concern.