List of prescribed persons for whistleblowing to expand if approved by Tynwald

From 1 April 2025, the list of prescribed persons for whistleblowing in the Isle of Man will be expanded, subject to Tynwald approval at the March 2025 sitting.

The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2025 details an enhanced list of prescribed bodies for those seeking to make a whistleblowing disclosure, including notably a variety of medical regulators.

The proposal would see the addition to the existing list of the following organisations:

• General Dental Council
• General Medical Council
• General Optical Council
• General Osteopathic Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Tynwald Auditor General
• Department of Home Affairs

The Department of Health and Social Care and the Gambling Supervision Commission, along with other organisations, will also see the remit for which someone can make a disclosure expanded from 1 April.

In addition, Tynwald approval will also be sought for the Prescribed Persons (Duty to Report) Regulations 2025, which will require prescribed persons to report annually on disclosures made to them. These reports aim to provide assurances to the public, whistleblowers, and potential whistleblowers that the prescribed body takes disclosures seriously and action will be taken where required.

The reports will also offer the opportunity to identify gaps and areas for improvement in an organisation’s process when it comes to handling a disclosure.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise commented: ‘The Island Plan highlighted an overarching intention to ensure the Isle of Man’s employment legislation is improved and keeping pace with an ever-evolving landscape to ensure our workers are protected.

‘The proposals set out have been informed by a public and stakeholder consultation and look to make notable changes to enhance the whistleblowing legislation in the Isle of Man, improving transparency and enhancing the Isle of Man’s proposition as a secure, vibrant and sustainable jurisdiction of choice for employers and workers alike.

‘It is crucial that those looking to make a disclosure are able to find the information easily, have confidence in the organisation they wish to make a disclosure to, and are protected in doing so.’

The Minister added: ‘I would like to thank all involved for their input and cooperation during this time of change and look forward to bringing the final pieces of legislation to Tynwald later this month.’

Both pieces of legislation are proposed to come into effect from 1 April 2025 with the first report under the Regulations expected by the end of October 2026.

These proposals come forward as part of the Department’s efforts to improve protections and accessibility for whistleblowers as committed to in the Island Plan. Other changes for whistleblowers from 1 April already approved by Tynwald include the introduction of a ‘public interest’ test for protected disclosures, the removal of the ‘good faith’ requirement, together with extended protections relating to vicarious liability and access to interim relief. More information can be found at gov.im/employmentrights