Implementation of EU Whistleblower Protection Directive - new memorandum

Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto has published this new memorandum and plans to share this with public officials in all EU member states, according to Whistleblower News Network.

Their key recommendations include:

• expand whistleblower protections to cover disclosures under anti-corruption conventions
• adopt language and procedures which have proven effective to protect whistleblowers
• maintain whistleblower confidentiality to avoid discouraging whistleblowers
• introduce whistleblower bounties (in Europe!)

The memo highlights that "anonymous reporting is an essential aspect of any successful whistleblower program" citing:

1. anonymity is critical to overcome fear of retaliation and thus to promote and encourage reporting
2. if you do not know who has reported, retaliation becomes impossible
3. if the reporter retains their anonymity, they can stay on the job and better support the follow up investigation

As the EU Directive defines a minimum level for each member state to implement, this memo is an important contribution to the discussions and reflections taking place on best practices in the run up to implementation in each member state in 2021.

@Business Keeper #whistleblowing

m.grainger@business-keeper.com