The Workplace Relations Commission has prepared a code of practice giving guidance and setting out best practice to help employers and workers understand the law in relation to the disclosure of information regarding wrongdoing in the workplace and how best to deal with the disclosure of this information. The Code of Practice sets out a model whistleblowing policy which assists employers in setting out the avenues and procedures for employees to follow when raising a concern about potential wrongdoings.

Many employers have not yet included a whistleblowing policy in their company handbook or contract of employment. Indeed, many employers or managers are not aware of how to investigate when whistleblowers make a protected disclosure. A whistleblowing policy should set out very clear guidelines so that both a potential whistleblower and the employer know precisely how to investigate and properly take action with regard to any wrong doing that might be uncovered.

While state bodies and agencies are required by law to have a specific whistleblowing policy in place, private employers need to review their existing policies or create a new policy to ensure they comply with the legislation. The policy should also be monitored and regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with best practice and any updates in relation to the legislation. It is also very important that employers give clear guidance as to when the use of a whistleblowing policy is appropriate. There is at least some anecdotal evidence to suggest that employees are utilising whistleblowing policies when use of other workplace policies such as a grievance policy might be more appropriate.

For more information please contact Emer O’Callaghan at emer.ocallaghan@bmomeara.ie

Resources:
https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/Good_Workplace_Relations/codes_practice/COP12/Protected_Disclosures.html

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Encompassing solicitors, barristers and staff of both the Law Society and the Bar, Law and Women will support women lawyers and promote equality. The pilot mentoring programme beginning this year aims to improve diversity at all levels of the profession and address pay inequality between men and women. Mentors will commit to supporting mentees to develop their strengths and potential, find solutions to professional challenges and to promote professional development and career progression.

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On his election, Simon Murphy, said “It is a great honour to be the elected leader of the solicitors’ profession in a time of considerable change. We expect the imminent passing into law of the Legal Services Regulation Bill, which will change many of the ways we are regulated and do business. I am also proud of the fact that we are the first legal profession in the world in which women are the majority. We are a diverse, dynamic, confident profession ready to meet all challenges capably, just as we have throughout our history.”

Simon Murphy began his term as President of the Law Society of Ireland for the year 2015/16, with effect from Friday 6 November 2015. He will serve a one-year term as President of the 15,000-strong solicitors’ profession until November 2016. Simon originally comes from Cork City, and now lives in Fountainstown, near Crosshaven. He is the eldest of four sons, born to Judge AG Murphy (deceased) and Dorothea (née Coldrick). He is married to Fiona, also a solicitor. He has one daughter, Jennifer.

Simon was educated in CBC secondary school in Cork and graduated from University College Cork with a BCL law degree. Apprenticed to John O’Meara of Barry O’Meara & Son (the firm he has stayed with throughout his legal career), he also credits another partner in the firm, Jack Phelan, for taking him under his wing and imparting to him the valuable skills of crisis management.

Simon was one of the first groups of students to enter the then newly-opened Blackhall Place, and he qualified as a solicitor in 1984. At the age of 26 he was invited onto the council of the Southern Law Association by John Jermyn (of law firm Ronan Daly Jermyn) where he subsequently served as secretary and president. In 1998 he was nominated as a delegate member of the Law Society Council. His first election to the Council of the Law Society was in 2000. He has served continuously between councils of both bodies for an unbroken period of 30 years.

Mr Murphy has served as chair and vice-chair on several of the Society’s main committees, including the Regulation of Practice Committee, the Complaints and Client Relations Committee, and the Education Committee, among others. For further details regarding Simon’s practice areas and experience click here:  Simon Murphy

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We have given our image a spring-gleam, with a resulting additional ‘spring in our step’. Much like how we would internally adjust our services to suit our clients, our image must do the same. We hope you enjoy the new look as much as we do.

When you next visit our office, you will notice that our new identity has been extended to our reception and meeting rooms.

Learn more about Our People.

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Firms with the Q6000 accreditation have been independently audited and rank among the highest quality law firms in Ireland. We have achieved an overall Gold Standard in client and file management, regulatory compliance and claim management and in addition, we have implemented advanced procedures in the areas of practice management, systems management and financial management.

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