A whistleblower channel is a confidential communication channel designed to enable employees, and sometimes external stakeholders, to report suspected or actual instances of illegal, unethical, or inappropriate activities within an organization without fear of retaliation. The reports made are sent to the company manager.
Why do we need it?
In the European Union, the EU Whistleblowing Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1937) outlines specific requirements for whistleblower channels. The directive, which makes these channels mandatory for companies our size starting December 2023, has several key requirements for whistleblower channels, such as:
Confidentiality: The identities of whistleblowers and any mentioned individuals must be kept confidential to protect them from harm or retaliation.
Feedback Mechanism: Organizations must acknowledge receipt of a whistleblower report within seven days and provide feedback within three months.
Protection Against Retaliation: Whistleblowers are protected from any form of retaliation, including job loss, demotion, or discrimination.
Record-Keeping: Detailed records of all reports, actions taken, and outcomes must be maintained for accountability and transparency.
What is a relevant report for this channel?
An example of a relevant whistleblowing report could be an employee reporting harassment or discriminatory behavior within the company. On the other hand, a non-relevant report might be a complaint about day-to-day issues like the office lacking supplies, which does not pertain to illegal or unethical business practices.
