Whistleblowing Essentials
for Office Administrators
11-15 August 2025
Sandton Centre, Johannesburg South Africa
Register Now! Limited Seats Available!
R16, 999.00 Per Delegate
Course overview
In today’s increasingly regulated and transparent work environment, organizations across all sectors are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability, and integrity. Whistleblowing—reporting misconduct, fraud, or unethical behavior within an organization—is one of the most powerful tools to detect and prevent corruption, abuse of authority, and other forms of wrongdoing. However, the effectiveness of whistleblowing systems greatly depends on how well-informed and capable the organization’s staff—especially office administrators—are in supporting and managing such reports.
Office administrators are often the first point of contact within an organization and play a pivotal role in managing communication, documentation, and reporting processes. Their position places them at a unique crossroads where they may witness or receive reports of unethical conduct. Yet, many administrators lack formal training on how to appropriately respond to whistleblowing disclosures, ensure confidentiality, and handle such sensitive matters in line with legal and organizational requirements.
The course offers a hands-on approach to understanding the nuances of whistleblowing processes, with a strong emphasis on confidentiality, non-retaliation, and ethical behavior.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the concept and importance of whistleblowing.
• Identify types of misconduct or unethical behavior.
• Recognize legal protections and procedures related to whistleblowing.
• Support and manage whistleblowing reports confidentially and professionally.
• Create or improve whistleblowing mechanisms within the organization.
Who Should Attend:
• Office administrators
• Executive assistants
• Clerical and support staff involved in administrative and records management
Course Outline:
Module 1: Understanding Whistleblowing
• Definition and objectives of whistleblowing
• Importance in promoting accountability and good governance
• Difference between whistleblowing, complaints, and grievances
• The administrator’s unique position in the whistleblowing process
Module 2: Identifying Misconduct and Unethical Behavior
• Types of reportable misconduct:
o Fraud, corruption, theft
o Harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority
o Violation of company policy or law
• Real-life examples and case studies
• Red flags and early warning signs
Module 3: Legal and Institutional Frameworks
• Whistleblower protection laws (local legislation overview)
• Key institutional mechanisms (ethics committees, ombudsman, internal audit)
• International best practices and frameworks (e.g., OECD, UNODC)
• Rights and protections for whistleblowers
Module 4: Whistleblowing Channels and Reporting Procedures
• Internal vs. external reporting
• Confidential vs. anonymous reporting
• What to do when receiving a report:
o Listening actively
o Documenting accurately
o Referring appropriately
• Record-keeping and document security
Activities: Simulation of receiving a whistleblowing report
Module 5: Ethics, Confidentiality, and Retaliation Prevention
• The importance of confidentiality in protecting whistleblowers
• Anti-retaliation policies and responsibilities
• Ethical dilemmas and maintaining neutrality
• Handling pressure and influence
Module 6: The Office Administrator’s Role in Fostering a Speak-Up Culture
• Promoting integrity in everyday administrative work
• Encouraging a culture of openness and trust
• Handling sensitive information appropriately
• Aligning personal conduct with organizational ethics
Activities: Ethics self-assessment and action planning
End of the workshop
IN HOUSE AND ONLINE TRAINING
While both In-House and Online training can present with cost-effectiveness and time-efficacy, there are some very specific differences between in-house courses and those based online.
The demand for additional courses by individuals or groups of people is increasing. Still, it depends entirely on the preferences of a person what type of training he or she wants to receive. Online courses and in-house training carry some similarities but they are considered to exhibit some very pivotal differences too. Despite that, both types of learning can be really beneficial for attendees.
For Registration and other Training arrangements,
contact us on the detail below.
SOUTH AFRICA : +27 11 057 6001
TANZANIA Cell: +255 769 688 544
WhatsApp +27 79 574 0389
info@bmktraining.co.za / www.bmktraining.com
