Whistleblowing

FBA’s Whistleblowing Function

FBA’s whistleblowing function is based on the Swedish Whistleblower Act.

The guidelines for FBA’s whistleblowing function ensure that anyone who blows the whistle in good faith will not risk losing their job or suffer other personal disadvantages as a result.

The function can be used by employees as well as other groups protected under the Whistleblower Act, such as job applicants, volunteers, interns, and subcontractors.

When Should I Blow the Whistle?

You should blow the whistle if you suspect irregularities or misconduct that are of public interest and could cause harm to individuals, FBA as an agency, society, or the environment.

This may include, for example:

• Misuse of public funds, accounting or auditing issues, or bribery.

• Violations of FBA’s Code of Conduct.

• Serious irregularities affecting the agency’s vital interests, such as major environmental crimes.

• Risks to individuals’ life and health, such as significant safety failures in the workplace.

• Very serious forms of discrimination or harassment.

How to Submit a Whistleblowing Report

You can report wrongdoing by using the whistleblowing form. You may choose to remain completely anonymous.

The form is provisional, and FBA will replace it with a permanent whistleblowing channel as soon as possible.

What Happens When a Whistleblowing Report is Submitted?

In brief, the following steps occur when a report is submitted through FBA’s whistleblowing function:

Submission Received

FBA’s Head of HR and Legal Counsel decide whether the report falls under the Whistleblower Act or should be handled under other regulations. No one else has access to submitted reports.The whistleblower receives confirmation that the report has been received within seven days. Feedback is then provided to a reasonable extent, and no later than three months after confirmation.

Investigation

If necessary, additional personnel may be involved in the investigation. They receive access to relevant information and are bound by confidentiality. During the investigation, precautionary measures are applied to prevent harm to the whistleblower, suspects, or other parties involved. The whistleblower is anonymised as far as possible.

Disciplinary Measures: during the investigation, it may be necessary to suspend someone from duty or restrict access to certain information. Disciplinary measures are decided by FBA’s Personnel Board.