Whistleblowing

Contributing Editors

In this new age of accountability, organisations around the globe are having to navigate a patchwork of new laws designed to protect those who expose corporate misconduct. IEL’s Guide to Whistleblowing examines what constitutes a protective disclosure, the scope of regulations across 24 countries, and the steps businesses must take to ensure compliance with them.

Learn more about the response taken in specific countries or build your own report to compare approaches taken around the world.

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19. Should the employer inform external authorities about the whistleblowing? If so, in what circumstances?

19. Should the employer inform external authorities about the whistleblowing? If so, in what circumstances?

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Germany

  • at Oppenhoff
  • at Oppenhoff

Once the reporting process at the internal reporting office is completed, the internal reporting office can take various follow-up actions. In addition to internal investigations, the process can also be handed over to a competent authority for further investigation (section 18 No. 4 HinSchG).

Last updated on 28/09/2023

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Portugal

  • at Cuatrecasas
  • at Cuatrecasas

External complaints will be submitted to those authorities that, under their duties and powers, should know the matter covered by the complaint, including:

  • the Public Prosecutor’s office (Ministério Público);
  • the criminal police bodies;
  • the Bank of Portugal;
  • independent administrative authorities;
  • public institutes;
  • the Inspectorates-General, similar entities and other central services of the direct administration of the state with administrative autonomy;
  • local authorities; and
  • public associations.
Last updated on 02/10/2023