What is whistleblowing? Who is a whistleblower?

Whistleblowing is an act of reporting information about wrongdoing, illegal activities, misconduct, or unethical behavior within an organization, typically - but not strictly limited to - about the employer.

A whistleblower is an individual who makes such a report, usually with the intention of promoting transparency, accountability, prevention or correction of the identified wrongdoing, and justice.

What can be a subject of a report?

The subject of a whistleblowing report can be a wide range of wrongdoings and they typically are some type of misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical behavior within an organization. Some common subjects of whistleblowing reports can be:

  • Fraud: reports of financial fraud, such as embezzlement, accounting anomalies, or securities fraud.
  • Corruption: reports of bribery, kickbacks, or other forms of corrupt practices within an organization.
  • Environmental abuses: Reports of environmental violations, pollution, or unethical practices that harm the environment.
  • Discrimination and harassment: complaints about workplace discrimination, harassment, or other forms of mistreatment.
  • Whistleblower retaliation: reports of retaliation against employees who have previously blown the whistle on misconduct.
  • Regulatory violations: reports of violations of laws, regulations, or industry standards relevant to the organization's operations.
  • Health and safety violations: reports of violations of health and safety standards that may put employees or the public at risk.
  • Unethical conduct: reports of unethical behavior, including conflicts of interest, insider trading, or other breaches of professional ethics.
  • Misuse of funds: reports of misappropriation of funds, including the misuse of company resources for personal gain.
  • Data breaches: reports of unauthorized access, data breaches, or improper handling of sensitive information.
  • Cybersecurity incidents: reports of cybersecurity breaches, vulnerabilities, or data breaches.

Who can file a report?

Whistleblowing reports can be made by a wide range of individuals who have information about wrongdoing, misconduct, unethical behavior, or illegal activities within an organization. This includes:

  • Employees: current or former employees of a company or organization are among the most common whistleblowers as they often have firsthand knowledge of the issues they are reporting. Soon-to-be/future employees (eg. individuals who have participated in the recruitment process) can also report any detected wrongdoing, for example supposed discrimination).
  • Interns or volunteers
  • Contracted partners/people working for contracted partners (eg. subcontractors, suppliers, consultants)
  • (Co)owners of the company, managers, supervisory board members

Anonymity & protection of personal data

At Aliz, we have designed the form to allow for anonymous submissions, if preferred. However, in cases where crucial information is missing, impeding the investigation, we reserve the right to dismiss the case without further action. 

Alternatively, if you choose to disclose your identity, we will utilize your personal data solely for communication regarding the investigation or to request additional details. Any supplementary personal information provided, such as details about the individual being reported, will be used exclusively for investigative purposes. 

It is important to note that, according to the law, whistleblowers are protected from any adverse consequences or retaliation for filing a report.

Read about our Data Privacy Policy here.

False allegations and statements in bad faith

We do hope that every report we receive will be filed with the intention of promoting transparency, accountability, prevention or correction of the identified wrongdoing, and justice. However, if it becomes apparent that you have provided false information in bad faith, where allegations of criminal or petty offense arise, or is likely that you have unlawfully caused damage or other impairment of rights of another person, your personal data shall be supplied to the body or person authorized to initiate or conduct the proceedings.

Therefore, it is important to be aware that potential repercussions may ensue should it be determined, throughout the investigative process, that your allegations or statements were knowingly false or made in bad faith.