Whistleblowing

The EU Whistleblower Protection Directive indirectly affects Swiss organisations if they have branches or subsidiaries in the EU with 50+ employees. Such companies are required to provide internal reporting channels for these branches or subsidiaries. If companies do not provide internal reporting channels or do not respond to tip-offs, whistleblowers may turn externally to the competent authorities.

BDO would be pleased to support you in designing and implementing appropriate reporting systems as well as in conducting internal investigations of any reports.

We offer the following services:

• Design and implementation of whistleblowing management systems
• Ombudsman function/contact point for employees in cases of suspected irregularities
• Case management and triaging of cases
• Independent investigations by BDO (full investigation)
• Support in internal investigations (co-sourcing)
• Internal training or workshops on whistleblowing management systems

We will be happy to propose a framework agreement tailored to your individual needs. We can provide you with reporting channels, review incoming reports and assess – in consultation with you – whether further measures are necessary. To help ensure that the whistleblowing reporting system meets your needs at all times, we will regularly share experiences and issue an annual activity report.