The figure of the whistleblower also known as whistleblower, has acquired great importance in the world of compliance especially in the business context. This role, although essential, also faces challenges, mainly in terms of the protection afforded to the individual.
Who is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is a person who uncovers illicit acts or irregular conduct within his or her organisation, whether it is a company, public entity or other institution. This report can be made internally, if the company has an adequate whistleblowing channel, as well as externally through the media or and externally through the media or competent authorities.
It is important to differentiate between a complaint and a report. While complaints generally requires the identification of the person making the claim, compliance systems allow, and sometimes encourage, reports to be made anonymously.
Relevance of Whistleblowers
These alerters are vital for companies companies because they allow early detection of illegal or counterproductive actions, thus avoiding possible sanctions and damage to the organization’s reputation. For society, whistleblowers have played a crucial role in exposing corruption, abuse and other wrongdoing.
However, the decision to report is not an easy one. Whistleblowers often face retaliation, from dismissal to threats. This is where laws for the protection of whistleblowers come into force, seeking to guarantee the security and confidentiality of whistleblowers.
What Legal Protection Exists?
In Europe the Whistleblowing Directive, for instance, establishes protection measures for these whistleblowers. Among them, the mandatory implementation of a reporting channel in organisations with more than 50 employees, as well as the prohibition of retaliation against them. This law is essential to ensure that whistleblowers have the support they need to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
To ensure that an organisation meets these requirements, it is advisable to opt for a specific software for the whistleblowing channel. These tools guarantee crucial aspects such as the confidentiality of informants and allow for anonymous reporting.
Conclusion
The figure of the whistleblower is essential to guarantee integrity and transparency in organizations. Their legal protection is a fundamental part of fostering an environment in which people feel safe to report wrongdoing.
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