"The insights in this study identify that we should not only deal with the whistleblowing concerns much further upstream, but we should also support whistleblowers much earlier in the process by ensuring that not only is the concern dealt with but that the individual who raised it is provided with the necessary support and protection from the outset before any detrimental treatment or retaliatory action can take place. All of the whistleblowers interviewed for this study suggested that they had wanted their concern to be addressed and for it to be the end of the matter. Unfortunately, a chain of events, often led by retaliatory practices by their organisations, meant that the whistleblowers suffered, and continue to suffer unnecessarily. This highlights that whilst it is extremely important for states, and the European Union as a whole, to consider the implementation of whistleblower protection laws, we must not lose sight of the fact that we also need to educate and support organisations and society as a whole to treat whistleblowers better in the first place, thus removing the need for individuals to have to make a choice between not raising the concern and years of life-changing psychosocial, physical and familial consequences. For some jurisdictions and some organisations, supporting and handling whistleblowers from the outset of them raising their concerns will require a substantial shift in understanding towards a more inclusive and accepting response towards whistleblowers. Civil society and other actors working on whistleblowing can support this process by actively engaging with stakeholders at multiple levels. The below table provides an illustration of the different suggested levels, potential stakeholders and several examples of engagement and technical assistance." (Conclusion)