It is in our interest that any potential breaches are uncovered within the company itself.
Reports received will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Reports received will be treated in the strictest confidence. There is a ban on reprisals against whistleblowers; the following, in particular, are prohibited: • suspension • dismissal • demotion or denial of promotion • coercion • intimidation • bullying or suspension, as well as • non-renewal of fixed-term employment contracts • defamation • withdrawal of a licence or authorisation • negative performance appraisal, etc. (Employers face heavy fines.)
Furthermore, there is a reversal of the burden of proof in favour of the protected person: the employer must demonstrate and prove that there is no connection whatsoever between, for example, a dismissal and a prior report.
A report may also be made to the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ), the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), the Federal Cartel Office or the state’s external reporting office. In addition, there are corresponding reporting procedures for reports to institutions, bodies and other agencies of the European Union. These include external reporting channels of the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Furthermore, whistleblowers may also make their information about breaches public (for example, via the press, social media or other media).
