In the Trinity Term edition of The Barrister, Nick Johnson QC writes about the legal and cultural developments affecting whistleblowers in the United Kingdom. As Nick writes, “Whistleblowers can be such a useful resource in uncovering risks and promoting good corporate governance. Yet historically and more recently, so many seem to be immediately distrusted, ignored , challenged, vilified and penalised. Why is this? Can legal developments help change the pervasive culture?” The article focuses on the appetite for law reform in the United Kingdom and foreshadows growing support for a whistleblower reward or compensation system in the United Kingdom and a consequential impact on corporate governance.

Nick Johnson QC collaborates with Bright Line Law, a barrister law firm providing expert specialist advisory, advocacy, litigation, policy and strategic services in the areas of bribery & corruption, economic sanctions, fraud and money laundering. Bright Line Law is authorised by the Bar Standards Board.