As an experienced law firm, we have the necessary know-how to handle reports professionally and efficiently. Below we present the typical process according to the requirements of the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG).
1. Submitting Your Report
You can report potential violations of laws or internal regulations directly via our secure reporting system. You can choose to do this anonymously or by including your contact details if you wish to receive feedback. In all cases, your information will be treated with strict confidentiality and will only be accessible to authorized lawyers.
2. Confirmation of Receipt
After your submission, you will first receive an automated confirmation that your message has been received. Within seven days at the latest, you will then receive an official confirmation of receipt in accordance with § 17 HinSchG.
3. Legal Review by Our Lawyers
Our lawyers will examine whether your report falls within the scope of the Whistleblower Protection Act and whether further action is required. Specifically, we will check whether the reported conduct concerns a potential criminal offense, an administrative offense, or another violation as defined in § 2 HinSchG.
4. Examination of Credibility („Stichhaltigkeitsprüfung“)
We also assess the credibility of the information provided and the plausibility of the facts described. This step ensures that the case is not based on incorrect or obviously false information. (But we are quite confident that you are not submitting any “fake” reports!)
5. Request for Additional Information
In some cases, we may require further details to fully understand the situation. If you have provided a way for us to contact you (for example, through our secure anonymous mailbox), we will get in touch with you to ask clarifying questions—of course, while preserving your anonymity.
6. Appropriate Follow-Up Measures
If the facts indicate a violation, we will initiate the appropriate follow-up measures in accordance with § 18 HinSchG. Depending on the case, this may include internal investigations, legal steps, or forwarding the matter to competent authorities or company representatives. Throughout the process, confidentiality remains strictly guaranteed.
7. Timely Feedback
No later than three months after confirming receipt of your report, you will receive feedback from us on how your case has progressed. We will inform you about the measures that have been taken or are planned as well as the reasons for these actions.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
We understand the importance of confidentiality and data protection. All reports are handled with the utmost care under the legal framework of the Whistleblower Protection Act as well as the applicable data protection laws (GDPR). Your identity and the information you provide are secured by strict technical and organizational safeguards.