It’s great to be back writing my monthly column following the Easter break during which I met so many people who, like me, were enjoying being out and about and taking part in our community events! Covid reminded us all of the huge role that our communities, families …. and indeed pets play in our lives, and so it was lovely to see many of them attending ‘Paws and Play’ at Lumb Lane in Bramhall. With a few tricks, but not many whistles needed, sheepdogs, Terriers and Labradoodles were among the brilliantly behaved and talented dogs who gave us a wonderful afternoon. Thanks as always go to organisers I Love Communities and sponsors Bramhall Dog Groomers for making this event happen!
While blowing the whistle wasn’t necessary at the park, it is a topic which is gaining momentum in Parliament and, as Chair of the Whistleblowing All party Parliamentary Group, I have been working to change the law to provide better protection for people who ‘call out’ wrongdoing when they see it.
Too many people have their lives ruined by retaliation, harassment and dismissal when they speak out and too many others turn a blind eye because they are scared of the consequences. The Bill I presented to Parliament aims to properly protect whistleblowers providing oversight and support by setting up an Independent body giving Whistleblowers the recognition they deserve as the cornerstone of a fair and transparent society.
It would create an Office of the Whistleblower to champion people who ‘speak out’ by advising regulators on their duties, investigating claims of detriment to whistleblowers and compensating them for harm. Whether it is Child Sexual Exploitation or hospital failures, the cover up is often exposed by whistleblowers and society should value and protect them!
Maggie Oliver, a high-profile Greater Manchester Whistleblower, welcomed the proposals and wished this legislation were around earlier saying , “100% behind this new initiative from Whistleblowers UK and Mary Robinson with whom I’ve collaborated. My own life would have been totally different had this existed in 2012.”
Although much more work is needed to bring it into law, I will continue to work across the political parties and pursue this over the next session in Westminster.
