Whistleblowing: History, Regulations, and Concepts

Learning Objectives

• To analyze how historical events and legislative changes have shaped the concept of whistleblowing and its significance in corporate and governmental settings.
• To evaluate the personal and professional challenges faced by famous whistleblowers, recognizing the risks they took in exposing wrongdoing.
• To examine specific sections within these acts, like SOX Section 806, 301, and 1107, to understand the provisions addressing whistleblowing and protection against retaliation.
• To evaluate exclusions and exceptions outlined in the Dodd-Frank Act, emphasizing the importance of internal reporting and the protections afforded to eligible whistleblowers.

Course Description

Step into the world of whistleblowing hotlines as we decode their simplicity and significance in modern corporate compliance.

In the intricate realm of compliance, whistleblowing hotlines stand as sentinels, offering a confidential gateway for professionals to voice their concerns. The tactics of hotlines are simple - provide professionals with a confidential manner to report complaints. Sarbanes-Oxley provided the impetus for organizations to take a closer look at their complaint-reporting process. Now, 12 years after the original Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, hotlines are considered one of the essential tools for organizations to appropriately manage compliance programs. 

The effectiveness of hotlines can be varied depending on how it is managed and administered. In addition, management's attention and response to hotline calls is an important aspect of maintaining an effective and positive control environment. The Audit Committee of public companies is responsible for ensuring a confidential and effective complaint reporting process and should fully understand processes as well as information that comes through the hotlines.

With the advent of new regulation that allows whistleblowers to go outside internal lines of defense to report miss-doings, this CPE Course will discuss why companies should be strategically aware of their programs and the effectiveness and perceptions of their programs. Audit Committees, senior management, and all professionals should understand the important implications that hotlines provide.

Major Topics covered in this CPE Auditing Course:

• The impetus of whistleblower hotlines.
• Definition and history of whistleblowing.
• Famous whistleblowers.
• Regulations supporting the process.
• False Claims Act
• Whistleblower Protection Act
• SOX

Join us for an insightful exploration into the intricate landscape of whistleblowing with Part 1 of our series, we will unravel the history, regulations, and key provisions that govern the act of whistleblowing, shedding light on its evolution and importance.

Overview

• History of Whistleblowing

  8 mins
• Whistleblower study

  14 mins
• Famous whistleblowers

  26 mins
• Regulations

  42 mins
• Whistleblower protection act

  46 mins
• SOX 301

  54 mins
• Dodd-Frank Exclusions

  61 mins