English

Whistleblower Protection Act

The Dutch Whistleblower Protection Act became effective on 18 February 2023 and replaced the previous Whistleblowers Authority Act (2016), which underlies the establishment of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority. The Act requires organizations within the Netherlands with more than fifty employees to put in place an internal reporting procedure. In accordance with Chapter II the European Whistleblower Directive this is also required for certain organizations with less than 50 employees. The Act also prohibits reprisals against reporting persons. An English version of the Act can be found below.

Advice for employees

Any person who suspects a possible wrongdoing in the context of their work-related activities can get confidential advice from the Advice department of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority.

We can only give advice if there is a possible wrongdoing. This is the case if:

• a law or an internal rule based on a law is being broken or there is a risk of this, or if there is a danger to public health, people's safety, the environment, or to the good functioning of the government or a company,

AND

• the situation is not only about personal interests,

AND

• the situation happens more often or structurally, or is very serious,

OR

• if specific European laws are being broken or there is a risk of this.

The context of work-related activities can be for example:

• an ((ex-)employee, self-employed, volunteer or unpaid trainees);
• (persons who working under the supervision and direction of) contractors, subcontractors and suppliers,  facilitators and third persons who are connected with the reporting persons who.

The wrongdoing must be based on reasonable grounds.

When should I get in touch with the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority?

If you are wondering whether the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority can help you, please follow the next questions:

1. Am I involved in work-related activities with the organization mentioned in my report?
2. Does the reported issue also effect other people? (Please note: personal disputes are not a possible wrongdoing in the sense of the Dutch Whistleblower Protection Act).

If the answer to the questions above is “yes”, your situation might qualify under the Dutch Whistleblower Protection Act.

You can give us a call if you want us to help decide whether your case can qualify.
We can be reached by telephone on Monday through Friday between 09:00 and 12:00.
Please keep in mind that the line can be busy, most cases are quite complex, so each call can take time. We like to give every caller our attention.

If a person qualifies as a reporting person according to Dutch law, the Whistleblower Authority can conduct an investigation into the reported wrongdoing or into the possible reprisals against the reporting person.

You can call us at: 088 – 133 10 00.  

If t the conditions meet your personal situation and you wish to request advice, please send us your information here.

Advice for employers and prevention of wrongdoings

The Whistleblower Authority provides know-how in order to stimulate and improve integrity within organizations by conducting research, developing practical tools and knowledge sharing. For more information, please contact our Prevention department via: contact@huisvoorklokkenluiders.nl 

European network on integrity and whistleblowing

On a European level we cooperate with like-minded organizations in other EU member states via the Network of European Integrity and Whistleblowing Authorities (NEIWA). Within this network we exchange practical know-how and cooperate on the improvement of the position of reporting persons.

See the press release about this network.

How do you ensure a good reporting procedure?

How can organizations ensure a good reporting procedure? In this animation we explain the steps to ensure that employees can safely report an abuse.

Publications in English

See publications in English below.