Whistleblowing

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To tell us about something you have discovered or seen in the course of your work in the rail industry.

ORR is a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998) (PIDA). We are required to provide workers with a way to make a public interest disclosure ('blow the whistle') where they do not feel able to disclose to their employer and they think that the ORR might be in a position to act on their disclosure.

PIDA is narrowly focused on giving employment protections to those who raise legitimate public interest concerns with us about:

"Matters relating to —

  1. the provision and supply of railway services; and
  2. any activities not covered by (a) in relation to which the Office of Rail and Road has functions."

Workers (including contractors) can talk to us about anything they have seen that causes them concern if they think it raises a matter of public interest that they feel unable to discuss with their employer.

Workers should contact the Board Secretary with their concerns, making clear that they consider themselves to be a whistleblower 0207 282 2093 or boardsecretariat@orr.gov.uk.

In order for ORR to be able to consider whether it needs to investigate further or take action on the disclosure the Board Secretary will:

  • work with the whistleblower to clarify and understand the information offered (the disclosure), including the degree of urgency, and the need for anonymity;
  • discuss the disclosure confidentially with appropriate senior staff, and arrange for a case officer to determine the course of action to be undertaken with the disclosed information;
  • explain to the whistleblower what they can expect following the disclosure.

If you want free confidential advice on what is protected by PIDA and whether this is the best way to address your concern, organisations like Protect can help.