Two-thirds of FTSE 250 companies now use whistleblowing hotlines to help stamp out unethical and corrupt activities.
Research commissioned by the SAI Global consultancy showed a 26 per cent increase in the use of hotlines for raising concerns compared with a similar study in 2007.
The survey, conducted by Middlesex University, also found that many companies now make their whistleblowing procedures and hotlines more accessible to third parties and contractors.