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Partnering with Disclosers- Learning from Whistleblowers

Research shows that public whistleblowers require partners if they are to prevail. Working in coalition with supportive experts – whether in law, media, or advocacy - is critical when bringing wrongdoing to light. As we witness over and over, high-profile whistleblowing cases succeed based on the strength of these alliances.

What can organizations and employers learn from this aspect of public whistleblowing? What kinds of internal advocacy are required, and what kinds of supports are needed, from the perspective of the whistleblower at risk of reprisal? Skilled allies tend to remain behind the scenes, but in this panel, we explored the dynamics and practices they use, drawing lessons for all who deal with disclosures. Panel hosted by Transparency International Ireland's Integrity at Work Conference 2024.

Panellists:

• Anna Myers - Executive Director, Whistleblowing International Network

• Prof. David Lewis - Professor of Employment Law and Head, Whistleblowing Research Unit at Middlesex University

• Dana Gold - Sr. Director of Advocacy & Strategy, Government Accountability Project

• Tom Mueller - Investigative journalist and Senior Fellow at The New School’s Health and Political Economy Project

Moderator: Kate Kenny - Professor at University of Galway, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics

The topic of the panel discussion was prompted by research in this new book, 'Regulators of Last Resort: Whistleblowers, the Limits of the Law and the Power of Partnerships' (Cambridge University Press, December 2024).