A national whistleblowing award, which recognises those who have spoken out to expose serious wrongdoings, is seeking nominations.

The Middlesex University Whistleblowing Award was set up in 2012 and recognises an individual or organisation for outstanding achievement in making a disclosure of information in the public interest. The winner receives a cash prize and the opportunity to give a talk to raise awareness about the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2014 and the winner will be decided by a panel drawn from the International Whistleblowing Research Network. Last year Care Quality Commission (CQC) whistleblower Amanda Pollard received the award. Pollard was one of the key figures in exposing the severe wrongdoings within the CQC – the national healthcare inspector – and the NHS, particularly in relation to the poor level of patient care at Mid Staffordshire Hospital.

Convener of the International Whistleblowing Research Network and Middlesex University Professor of Employment Law, David Lewis said: “Whistleblowers serve private and public interests when they raise concerns about wrongdoing. However, rather than encouraging them, many employers have victimised them as purveyors of bad news. The Middlesex University award is an attempt to change attitudes so that whistleblowers are recognised as heroes rather than villains.” Nominees may be individuals or organisations that have made or been involved in a disclosure of information which has served the public interest. Preference will be given to nominees who have faced particular difficulties, for example, because of the nature of their work or the subject of the disclosure.

Nominations must be received by 31 March 2014. This can be done by email, fax or post and will normally describe the nominee and why he or she merits the award. In event of there being no nominations, the jury are empowered to consider the names of such candidates as they think appropriate. The winner will be determined by a panel consisting of five members of the International Whistleblowing Research Network. The jury will be chaired by a person nominated by Middlesex University and at least one member will have had personal experience of blowing the whistle. The award will be presented at Middlesex University in June. Nominations should be sent to: Professor David Lewis, School of Law, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT. Email: d.b.lewis@mdx.ac.uk