Whistleblowing in the consulting industry

Consultants can sometimes be moved around between different tasks or workplaces. Because of this, it can be difficult to guarantee that they will be treated in the same way as employees with permanent employment.

The vast majority of whistleblower policies include protection and rights for consultants, but despite this, they are still a particularly vulnerable working group. In this post, we take a closer look at why the consulting industry is particularly vulnerable and what doors whistleblowing opens up for the consulting industry.

Why the consulting industry is particularly vulnerable to whistleblowing

Since consultants often work on a mission-based basis, there may be situations where they are particularly vulnerable. For example, it could be unreasonable demands from employers that the consultant must accept to keep the assignment.

Another common scenario is that consultants are bounced between client and employer. This can lead to problems taking longer to resolve, or things falling on deaf ears.

As consultants work on an assignment-based basis and rarely belong to a given workplace for a longer period, it is not uncommon for the reporting of irregularities to be de-prioritized. This means that the consulting industry is particularly vulnerable.

Also read: Why whistleblowers are important in society

The vast majority of whistleblower policies cover consultants

Although consultants can be particularly vulnerable in workplaces, there are positive aspects. By law, consultants are included in the list of job categories that can blow the whistle. This means that even people who are employed as consultants can feel safe, given that the organization has implemented a functioning whistleblower solution.

However, it is important to check that the whistleblower policy covers consultants to ensure that they are protected by the same policies and systems as other company employees.

Does your organization lack a whistleblower policy, or are you unsure whether it is sufficient? Visslan offers a standardized whistleblower policy, where you then receive a complete policy with guides, routines, and checklists before launch.

What is important to consider as a consultant when it comes to whistleblowing?

As a consultant, it is a good idea to make sure you are protected as a whistleblower should you report anything. If you need clarification about what applies within your organization, you can always check any intranets or relevant HR personnel about what applies.

It's a good idea to be aware of 5 warning signs of misconduct in the workplace, to recognize common signs that all is not well.

It can also be good to know where to turn if something were to happen. Depending on the situation, you may need to contact the organization where you work day to day, but occasionally, it is also required that you contact the organization through which you are employed.

This can vary depending on what has occurred, or how your particular form of employment and your consulting agreement is designed. By being aware of what actually applies, you ensure that you are protected when an irregularity is committed.

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