EU Whistleblowing Directive
In June 2023, the German Whistleblower Protection Act ("HinSchG") was published, and it came into effect on July, 2023. The law mandates the establishment of an internal reporting office and the appointment of an ombudsperson for companies and organizations in the public and private sectors that employ more than 50 employees. We take on the tasks of the internal reporting office in accordance with Section 13 HinSchG and thereby offer the external service of an ombudsperson. As part of this activity, ePrivacy sets up a whistleblower system, including reporting channels and the necessary software, in the company.
WHAT SETS US APART?
- Experience and Trust: We are experts in data protection, data security, and compliance issues.
- Customized Solutions: We develop pragmatic solutions tailored to the needs of your company.
- In-depth Expertise: Our team consists of experienced data protection experts, computer scientists, and lawyers who provide you with individual and personal advice.
Set Up
- Establishment of a digital reporting office in accordance with the German Whistleblower Protection Act “HinSchG”.
- Reports can be submitted (anonymously) via desktop, smartphone, or tablet, as well as by phone and mail.
- Ensuring all procedural workflows in accordance.
- Use of electronic whistleblower software that enables anonymous reporting channels.
- End-to-end encrypted and ISO27001 certified server in Germany.
Evaluation
- ePrivacy issues acknowledgments of receipt, reviews the reports for relevance and validity
- Communication and feedback to whistleblowers
- Maintaining contact with the reporting person
- Reviewing the received reports for validity
- Taking appropriate follow-up actions
The EU whistleblowing directive
In June 2023, the Act for Better Protection of Whistleblowers (“HinSchG”) was published, which came into effect on 2 July 2023.
The law requires the establishment of an internal reporting channel and the appointment of an ombudsperson for companies and organisations in the public and private sectors employing more than 50 people.
The law serves to improve the protection of individuals who report legal violations within companies and organisations – known as whistleblowers. The internal reporting channel serves as the organisational point of contact for receiving reports on violations.
A successful whistleblowing system provides employees, as well as business partners, customers and other stakeholders with a safe to raise awareness about potential misconduct. Companies then have the opportunity to respond to any violations, adjust their processes and, avoid reputational damage. In addition to complying with legal obligations, an effective whistleblower system can become a competitive advantage.
The data protection and compliance experts from ePrivacy are ready to take on the tasks of the internal reporting office in accordance with sec. 13 HinSchG, assuming the role of the ombudsperson as a new service. As part of this activity, ePrivacy is setting up a whistleblower system including reporting channels and the necessary software within the company.
As part of our activities, we set up the internal reporting channels and the necessary software, within the company. We are collaborating with the whistleblower system “Whistly” (www.whistly.org) and have pragmatically implemented the Whistleblowing Protection Act for many of our clients.
Do you employ more than 50 employees and seek coverage by external experts?
