University News Last updated 30 September 2013
In the wake of whistleblowing scandals, Birmingham City University is collaborating with the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) in hosting a free event examining whistle-blowing, anti-bribery and collaboration - all on the same bill.
Following media attention on workplace whistleblowing, the event on Wednesday 20 November will unveil new research on employees who have exposed malpractice in their organisations, ahead of a report to parliament by the Whistleblowing Commission expected this autumn.
Leading figures from industry, who are helping to shape government policy, will feature on a programme of 10 speakers, including Cathy James, Chief Executive of whistleblowing charity Public Concern at Work.
Cathy said: "We need to ensure that whistleblowing is seen to be an effective and positive activity. Workers need to be able to speak truth to power. The scandals of the past tell us that unless there is a cultural change, we cannot look forward to the future with confidence."
The conference will set out to explore some of the most recent workplace wrong-doings with Simon Topman MBE, Chief Executive of the Acme Whistle Company, discussing recent business and social changes that are needed for organisations to better protect themselves against malpractice occurrences.
Peter Carroll, event organiser and senior lecturer at Birmingham City University's Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment, said: "Whilst malpractice revealed by whistleblowing shows the downside of industry practices, developments in collaborative working show an altogether healthier influence.
"Simon Topman will literally be blowing the whistle in kicking the event off and providing whistles to all delegates to use interactively during the event. This is an opportunity to witness little sister giving big brother some sage advice; an event not to be missed."
Other discussions at the event will focus on public attitudes to bribery in the workplace and the increasing need to demonstrate that business practices of organisations are ethical.
The free event is open to non-CQI members and runs from 1 - 7.30pm at Birmingham City University's City Centre campus.
Sign up for the event