Source: Whistleblowers – Transparency International Danmark
Anti-corruption NGO Transparency International Denmark has published a new report looking at Whistleblowing schemes in Denmark.
The report “Whistleblowing 2023” – published in May 2024 – shows an increase in the number of reports from the previous year, yet also highlights ongoing challenges in implementation. Key findings include:
- Increase in Whistleblower Reports: The number of reports rose dramatically, almost 50%, from the previous year. The report suggests that whistleblower schemes are becoming more visible and that potential whistleblowers are increasingly comfortable coming forward.
- High Rejection Rate: Despite the increase in reports, about 60% of whistleblower reports were rejected, the same rate as in 2022. This high rejection rate indicates that many potential whistleblowers may not fully understand the scope and coverage of the whistleblower protection laws, underscoring the need for better communication and education about the scheme.
- Common Themes and Resource Constraints: Violations of administrative rules, internal processes, and working environment issues were the most frequently reported concerns. Additionally, there was a slight increase in the number of pending cases, suggesting that the resources available for handling these reports have not kept pace with the rising number of submissions.
The report emphasises the need for confidential guidance for whistleblowers and improved data collection to enhance the scheme’s credibility and effectiveness. Transparency International Denmark calls for a more structured approach to data in annual reports and better communication to reduce the number of baseless reports, ultimately aiming to foster a more supportive environment for whistleblowers.
The full report can be found in English and Danish, HERE.