Whistleblower system: reporting channel & ombudsman in one package

The Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) protects whistleblowers who report misconduct in companies. It implements EU Directive 2019/1937 into German law and obliges companies to provide secure reporting channels and to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Under the German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG), which implements EU Directive 2019/1937, all companies with 50 or more employees must operate an internal reporting channel. In the financial sector the obligation applies regardless of company size, as it does for many public authorities and municipalities.

The Whistleblower Protection Act has been in force since July 2023. Since 17 December 2023 the obligation to operate an internal reporting channel also applies to companies with 50 to 249 employees — the transition periods have expired.

Companies must set up an internal reporting channel, confirm incoming reports within 7 days, process them within the legal deadlines and effectively protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Violations of these obligations can be punished with fines.

An internal reporting channel is a facility within the company to which violations can be reported. It receives reports, confirms receipt, reviews the information and takes appropriate follow-up measures.

You set up a reporting channel by defining internal processes and providing clear reporting channels for whistleblowers. Our complete package makes this easy: we deliver the digital reporting channel with your branding and handle the cases — no IT effort on your side.

An ombudsman is an independent person whom whistleblowers can contact confidentially to report misconduct. In our complete package, our legal team takes on this role and handles your cases professionally.

The Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz) operates the external reporting office of the federal government. Whistleblowers can also report there instead of using the internal channel — an easily accessible internal reporting channel ensures that reports reach your company first.

Yes. Whistleblowers do not need an account and do not provide any personal data. Communication runs through an anonymous case link with a built-in chat, so follow-up questions are possible without revealing anyone's identity. The page does not use tracking cookies.

Within minutes. After your online order your branded reporting channel is set up under its own short URL — no IT effort required on your side. All you do is share the link with your employees.

The complete package costs €150 per month plus VAT and can be cancelled monthly. It includes the reporting system with your branding, the external reporting office and legal case handling by an ombudsman with one hour of case work per month included (fair use, €89/hour thereafter).