Enhancing Protections for Whistleblowers: A Look at the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025
Belfast, Northern Ireland – In a significant development for transparency and accountability, the Northern Ireland Executive has published ‘The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025’. This new legislation, which came into effect on August 18th, 2025, aims to bolster the protections afforded to individuals who raise concerns about wrongdoing within various sectors.
The Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) is a cornerstone of legislation designed to encourage individuals to report malpractice, misconduct, or breaches of the law without fear of reprisal. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, ultimately benefiting the public interest and fostering a culture of integrity.
This latest amendment, the second of its kind in 2025, signals a continued commitment to refining and strengthening the framework for public interest disclosures in Northern Ireland. While the specific details of the amendments are best consulted within the full text of the Order, such updates typically focus on ensuring that the list of “prescribed persons” – those designated to receive and handle whistleblowing concerns effectively – remains comprehensive and up-to-date.
Prescribed persons are crucial as they are specifically empowered by legislation to investigate and act upon disclosures made under PIDA. By amending this list, the Executive ensures that individuals reporting concerns have access to the most appropriate and effective channels for their disclosures, depending on the nature of the alleged wrongdoing. This might involve updating the list to include new regulatory bodies or agencies that have been established or whose remit has expanded to cover emerging areas of concern.
The timing of this amendment, coming into effect in August 2025, suggests a proactive approach to maintaining the effectiveness of the PIDA framework in light of evolving societal and regulatory landscapes. It underscores the importance of adapting legislation to ensure it remains relevant and provides robust protection for those who bravely speak out.
For employers and organisations across Northern Ireland, this amendment serves as a reminder of their ongoing responsibilities in fostering environments where employees feel safe and supported in raising legitimate concerns. It also highlights the importance of understanding the designated prescribed persons and ensuring that internal procedures align with the principles of PIDA.
The full text of ‘The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025’ can be accessed on the official legislation.gov.uk website. This publication provides a detailed overview of the specific changes introduced by this important piece of legislation, contributing to a more transparent and accountable Northern Ireland.
The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025
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