A rundown on the whistleblowing process in the federal government
As part of its Federal Employee Explainer Series, the Partnership for Public Service hosted a webinar on whistleblower process and protections for federal civil servants.
Led by Jenny Mattingley, the Partnership’s vice president of government affairs, the session welcomed Dana Gold from the Government Accountability Project and Joe Spielberger of the Project on Government Oversight.
They addressed federal employees’ key questions about the whistleblowing process.
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongdoing or misconduct within an organization. It’s a crucial mechanism for government accountability.
Civil servants play a vital role in upholding the integrity of the federal government. They are often the first to witness potential wrongdoing and have a responsibility to report it.
Whistleblower protection laws give most federal employees the right to disclose information that they reasonably believe evidences:
- Violations of laws, rules or regulations
- Gross mismanagement
- Waste, fraud or abuse of authority
- Danger to public health or safety
- Censorship related to scientific or technical information
What protections exist for whistleblowers?
The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, amended by the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, protects certain civil servants in the executive branch who report waste, fraud or abuse from retaliation or other abuses of authority.
Some executive branch employees are excluded from Whistleblower Protection Act protections but may be protected under other laws. These employees include political appointees, uniformed military service members, intelligence community personnel and U.S. Postal Service staff.
To whom can a federal employee report suspected wrongdoing and initiate whistleblowing procedures?
Federal employees have different options on where to disclose wrongdoing, including but not limited to:
- Co-workers, supervisors or other agency management
- Agency hotlines or an agency’s Office of Inspector General
- Congress or The Office of Special Counsel
- Watchdog organizations or the media
An attorney experienced in whistleblower laws can help guide you through the process.
What is the whistleblowing process for a federal employee?
The whistleblowing process varies depending on the agency and the type of wrongdoing that is being reported. However, employees should take some general steps when whistleblowing:
- Consult with an attorney who specializes in whistleblower law before taking any action. Attorneys will advise on the best reporting channels and potential pitfalls.
- Keep detailed records of dates, times, names, documents, emails or any interactions related to the suspected wrongdoing.
- Choose the appropriate reporting channel based on legal advice and the specific circumstances.
- If an investigation is launched, be prepared to provide further information and answer questions.
What risks may be associated with blowing the whistle?
Many employees hesitate to report wrongdoing due to fear of reprisal. The Whistleblower Protection Act is designed to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, but unfortunately, retaliation still occurs. Documenting any adverse actions taken after reporting is absolutely crucial.
Retaliation can include demotion, termination, reassignment, negative performance reviews, harassment, changes in pay or benefits, or denial of training or advancement opportunities.
The Office of Special Counsel is a key resource for whistleblowers. The office investigates claims of retaliation and protects employees who have been wrongly targeted.
Stay informed
Explore our new hub for real-time updates about the latest civil service proposals and how they affect federal employees, as well as information about the rules and regulations that protect the career workforce from undue discrimination, retaliation or political interference.
The hub also includes all the webinars in our Federal Employee Explainer Series.
Webinar recording
Title: Federal Employee Explainer Series: What are my whistleblower rights?
Date: Feb. 10, 2025
Speakers: Jenny Mattingley, vice president of government affairs, Partnership for Public Service. Dana Gold, senior director of advocacy and strategy and director of the Democracy Protection Initiative, Government Accountability Project. Joe Spielberger, senior policy counsel, Project on Government Oversight
Topics: Executive orders, presidential actions, federal workforce, Trump administration, whistleblower rights
The information provided during this webinar is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. If you require legal advice, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney who can assess your unique circumstances.