English | Huisvoorklokkenluiders

Welcome to the website of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority. We provide advice and support for persons who want to report a possible wrongdoing within the context of their work-related activities. We also conduct investigations into wrongdoings within organizations or into reprisals against reporting persons. Finally, we also provide know-how for organizations on how to improve their internal integrity policy. Our services are confidential, independent, and free of charge.

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 or 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 has a current, post or future contract ((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 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. The wrongdoing must be based on reasonable grounds. If these conditions meet your personal situation, please contact us via: contact@huisvoorklokkenluiders.nl

Investigation into wrongdoings or the reprisals against reporting persons

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.

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.

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It is important that employees who suspect wrongdoing at work are able to report safely within their organisation. After all, reports protect the organisation and society from harm and danger. That is why reporting persons deserve protection. This is not only a legal requirement, but also a matter of good management. When setting up a reporting procedure take into account the following steps.

Step one:
For establishing a reporting procedure, you need sufficient resources and knowledgeable people. Therefore, ensure management support and work together to create an ethical organisational culture.

Step two:
Make sure that employees feel safe and experience no barriers to making a report. Do not impose confidentiality obligations that hinder people from reporting. Inform clearly where and to whom they can go with their report. Establish a reporting channel where various types of reports can be made: in person, by phone or digitally. Enable anonymous reporting.

Step three:
Handle a report correctly, promptly and visibly, and ensure proper follow-up. Communicate clearly and regularly with all stakeholders. Make it clear to reporting persons what the next steps are. Emphasise protection of reporting persons from retaliation. Point out to everyone that during the investigation, but also afterwards, sometimes information must remain secret.

Step four:
It is important that reports are registered securely. This also allows for the assessment of the risk of future misconduct and enables measures to be taken. It shows which reporting channels are used most and where improvements to the procedure can be made. Anonymous reporting data can also be used for training purposes and included in the annual report.

These steps ensure a reporting procedure that works! For more information, visit: www.huisvoorklokkenluiders.nl

This animation was inspired by: Kenny, K., Vandekerckhove, W., & Fotaki, M. (2019) The Whistleblowing Guide: Speak-up Arrangements, Challenges and Best Practices. Wiley: Chichester.

Publications in English

See publications in English below.