How We Support Whistleblowers2024-07-31T16:29:38+02:00

Whistleblower Protection Program

Supporting whistleblowers in their journey to disclose information of public interest

How we support whistleblowers

The Signals Network provides free, customized support services to individuals who know about or witness wrongdoing so that they can make more informed decisions about whether to speak out on issues that are in the public interest, potentially more safely blow the whistle and publicly share information holding those responsible accountable.

We consider a “Whistleblower” to be any individual who has disclosed publicly – or is thinking of disclosing – information about a threat or harm to the public interest in the context of a work-based relationship, whether it be in the public or private sector. Often, this type of disclosure involves a journalist or media organization that publishes reports based, at least in part, on the provided information.

Each situation is unique and each whistleblower has unique needs. Whistleblowers often face legal, physical, psychological, and economic risks. Because each whistleblower’s circumstances are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, no whistleblower can reasonably rely on the availability of any support services in advance.

The Signals Network is currently able to provide support to whistleblowers and journalists working with whistleblower sources in the United States and internationally, across a variety of different areas ranging from public health to corporate and financial misconduct, government accountability and human rights abuses.

If you are a whistleblower or journalist looking for support for a whistleblower source, please contact us here

Please note: The Signals Network does not request, encourage or counsel potential whistleblowers to act unlawfully. We take the sensitivity of our work extremely seriously and all communications with our Whistleblower Protection Program team are confidential and protected by legal privilege. Please read our procedures (below) to learn more about how we work and how we deal with sensitive information.

Here’s what services we offer to whistleblowers

Legal Representation

We offer in-house legal representation and policy analysis of whistleblower claims to provide the best legal counsel possible. We can also help a whistleblower locate and obtain external legal representation.

Psychological Support
We provide access to individualized mental health support services, including psychological support and counseling.

Digital and Physical Safety
We work with online/offline security specialists to build an environment that enhances whistleblowers’ digital and physical privacy.

Media Relations Management and Advocacy Advice

We manage media relations for whistleblowers, helping to shape their messaging and share their stories with the public to effect policy change and institutional action based on the concerns they raise.

Financial Support
We alleviate the financial impact of whistleblowing by providing grants for legal, medical, and other expenses via our Whistleblower Protection Fund (WPF).

Transition Support
We assist whistleblowers to move to their post-whistleblowing stage and identify potential employment, fellowships and business opportunities.

Our Whistleblower Protection Program Procedures

Confidentiality

Any communication to our Whistleblower Protection Program team by individuals seeking to report wrongdoing is made in the strictest confidence. Communication is confidential and any names, content and related issues will not be shared with any third party, agency or company without consent.

The Signals Network recognizes the crucial importance of confidentiality to investigative journalism and reporting and will vigorously protect the information about the identities of confidential whistleblowers entrusted to it to the fullest possible extent of the law.

Legal Privilege

All initial communications with our Whistleblower Protection Program team, led by the Legal Director, are held as attorney-client privileged discussions. That means the information we receive from an individual looking for whistleblower support — with limited exceptions — cannot be disclosed.

However, communicating with us about your whistleblowing questions and concerns does not mean that The Signals Network is representing you. The Signals Network’s is not representing you unless and until you receive written notification and have signed a retainer agreement. Until such point, your request is under consideration.

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Learn more about our work to hold accountable through our support of whistleblowers and journalists.

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