Defining a whistleblower

Defining a whistleblower

Ask your colleagues and you'll probably find several definitions of what a whistleblower really is. Some of them will identify honest and heroic behaviour. Other definitions, meanwhile, will focus on a derogatory connotation of disloyalty.

During my difficult experiences at the European Commission, it never crossed my mind that I may have fallen into the whistleblower category. As the chief accountant of the commission, I always felt it was my personal duty and responsibility to act according to my professional integrity.

I truly believe that if you face a situation which you consider serious, it is your responsibility – notably as a high-level manager – to advise those in authority who can take a decision to resolve the situation.

Funnily enough, while public opinion immediately identified me as a whistleblower, the European Commission has not taken the same view. The reasons for this may well have something to do with the fact that, following the resignation of the Santer commission in 1999 due to allegations of financial mismanagement, the EC was prompted to issue regulations to protect whistleblowers.

But to be ‘protected’, you must fall within the EC’s prescribed definition of whistleblowing. I truly believe my situation fell within their definition.

They, on the other hand, disagree. In any event my behaviour as chief accountant fell within professional good practice, which they also refuse to consider.

In my view – and I speak with some authority – the EC’s definition doesn’t encourage people to stand up and be honest and direct. Perceived disloyalty remains.

And this is a pity. Because in our rapidly changing world, where good principles are perhaps more at risk than ever before, there is a real need for more people to stand up for them.

But it’s not all bad news. As a positive message, I would like to say that eventually, and even after going through this bad experience, I am able to sleep with a clear conscience. And for me, this is worth much more than the benefits of being viewed as ‘loyal’ by my former employers at the EC.

Marta Andreasen is the former chief accountant at the EU

Share

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Resources & Whitepapers

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata
Professional Services

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata

3y

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folde...

In the past decade, the professional services industry has transformed significantly. Digital disruptions, increased competition, and changing market ...

View resource
2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

3y

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professi...

In recent months, professional services firms are facing more pressure than ever to deliver value to clients. Often, clients look at the firms own inf...

View resource
Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine
Accounting Firms

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

3y

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

In a world of instant results and automated workloads, the potential for AP to drive insights and transform results is enormous. But, if you’re still ...

View resource
Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021
Making Tax Digital

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

3y

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

The first phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) saw the requirement for the digital submission of the VAT Return using compliant software. That’s now behi...

View resource