US Corporate Whistleblowing & Anti-Retaliation Foundations
This course introduces all staff to their rights and responsibilities under key US whistleblowing laws, including Sarbanes-Oxley, the Dodd-Frank Act, and the False Claims Act, and explains how to raise concerns safely and in compliance with organisational obligations.
Understanding whistleblowing is essential for every employee in a US organisation. This course provides a clear, accessible introduction to the legal frameworks that protect individuals who report suspected misconduct, fraud, or violations of law in the workplace. You will learn what whistleblowing means in a corporate context, which laws apply to you, and how those laws are enforced by key regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Covering the three cornerstone statutes — the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the False Claims Act (FCA) — this course explains the protections available to reporters, the types of conduct that are protected, and what constitutes unlawful retaliation by an employer. Real-world scenarios and practical guidance help you recognise situations where speaking up is not only appropriate but may be legally required.
This course is the foundational programme in a two-course set designed for US organisations. It is intended for all members of staff regardless of role or seniority. A companion advanced course is available for managers, compliance officers, legal counsel, and other personnel with direct responsibility for handling disclosures and administering reporting programmes.
Course content
1. Module 1: What Is Whistleblowing?
- Lesson 1.1: Defining Whistleblowing in the US Context
- Lesson 1.2: The Role of Key US Regulators
2. Module 2: Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) Protections
- Lesson 2.1: SOX Overview and Scope
- Lesson 2.2: SOX Anti-Retaliation Provisions and Remedies
3. Module 3: The Dodd-Frank Act Whistleblower Programme
- Lesson 3.1: Dodd-Frank Protections and the SEC Whistleblower Programme
- Lesson 3.2: Dodd-Frank Anti-Retaliation Rules
4. Module 4: The False Claims Act (FCA)
- Lesson 4.1: Understanding the False Claims Act
- Lesson 4.2: FCA Anti-Retaliation Protections
5. Module 5: Recognising and Responding to Retaliation
- Lesson 5.1: Identifying Retaliation in the Workplace
- Lesson 5.2: How to Raise a Concern Safely
6. Module 6: Building a Speak-Up Culture
- Lesson 6.1: Your Role in a Culture of Integrity
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 12 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $645.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.