www.va.govWhistleblower Protection Program for Federal Employees
Part of the VA Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) core mission is to investigate wrongdoing exposed by federal employees. The Whistleblower Protection Program was established to ensure that employees who disclose allegations of serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement are free from fear of reprisal for their disclosures.
If the VA OIG receives an allegation of reprisal from a federal employee who provided information to VA management or the VA OIG, the OIG will provide the employee information regarding how to file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and refer the employee seeking relief to OSC.
Federal Employee Rights and Responsibilities related to Disclosures of Alleged Wrongdoing
- Employees who report allegations of serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement must provide sufficient information for the OIG to commence an inquiry. This is particularly important when the employee wishes to remain confidential.
- Employees are reporting parties, not investigators.
- Protection of a disclosing-employee's identity is not absolute, but will always be maintained to the fullest extent possible.
- Employees must be candid and truthful with investigators or others to whom they disclose alleged wrongdoing or mismanagement.
- An employee's right to protection against reprisal does not extend immunity for the employee's own involvement in wrongdoing or mismanagement.
Filing a Complaint of Reprisal with the OSC
If you believe you are being retaliated against for having disclosed alleged wrongdoing or mismanagement, you may have protections through the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). This independent agency enforces whistleblower protections and certain other improper personnel actions within the federal government. You may contact OSC toll–free at 800–872–9855. Additional information about Whistleblower Protection may be found at the Office of Special Counsel website, www.osc.gov