FAQ Whistleblowing

What is the reporting office for?

Our whistleblower system or reporting office is intended for reporting violations of laws. The reporting system is not intended for complaints about products, services, employees, etc.

Who can use the reporting office?

The reporting office has been set up for persons who have obtained information about violations in a professional context. This means that not only our employees, but also all other (external) persons who work under the supervision and management of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers can report potential violations to our reporting office.

What do I have to worry about when I file a report?

As a whistleblower, if you report violations of law or attempts to conceal such violations, you will be protected. However, the whistleblower system may not be used to make false accusations or intentionally report false information. You should therefore not expect any disadvantages, provided that you have made your report on the basis of specific indications, and you are convinced of the accuracy of the information provided to the best of your knowledge and belief. We will follow up any indications of violations by means of internal investigations.

Who is protected by whistleblower protection?

Every whistleblower who uses the reporting channels (see above) is protected. Additionally, intermediaries, colleagues or relatives of the whistleblower who also have a professional connection to the whistleblower's employer, to a client of the whistleblower or to a recipient of services provided by the whistleblower are also protected.

Is it possible to submit a report anonymously?

It is possible to submit your notice anonymously, but we want to encourage you not to do it. Your notice is submitted to an external provider which forwards your information to us anonymously. We have opted for an external provider to provide you with particularly good protection. A non-anonymous report enables a direct dialog with you and improves the chance of resolving violations quickly. However, if you would like to remain anonymous, please include as many details as possible and, if available, also documents that support your suspicion. Please keep in mind: Your report can only make a difference in case that the evidence we receive allows sufficiently specific investigation approaches and possibilities of argumentation and proof.

Will I receive feedback?

On one hand, we will confirm receipt of your report via the external provider on a timely manner. On the other hand, we will inform you about the planned/implemented follow-up measures after an appropriate processing time (usually after 3 months). Of course, this is only possible if you have not submitted the report anonymously.

What happens after a report has been filed?

We follow up on all reports. In connection with their processing, we ensure confidentiality and fairness in our dealings with the whistleblower. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is only reviewed by persons who have committed themselves to confidentiality or are sworn to secrecy. However, fairness also requires us to take into account the interests of the employees concerned (who may be "accused") that are worthy of protection. We therefore trust that no information will be provided with dishonest intent. Nor, of course, is any denunciation desired.

Will my data be passed on to third parties?

Any further clarification that may be required will be carried out within the framework of the legal regulations to be complied with in each case, in particular in accordance with the requirements of data protection law. If disclosure of your identity is necessary and reasonable in criminal proceedings at the request of the law enforcement authorities or ordered in administrative proceedings or a court decision, we will inform you of this prior to disclosure, unless this would jeopardize the investigation or court proceedings. For further information, please take a look to the information sheet pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation.

How long are the reports kept?

Please have a look to the information sheet in accordance with Art. 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation.