Whistleblowing

What is whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing means bringing attention to misconduct or other irregularities that are of public interest within government agencies, organisations, companies or society at large.

Reports concerning matters that solely relate to an individual’s own working or employment conditions are normally not covered by the Swedish Whistleblower Act. Such matters should be reported through the designated channels within the agency’s occupational health and safety framework.

FBA’s whistleblowing function

FBA’s whistleblowing function is based on the Act on the Protection of Persons Who Report Misconduct (the Swedish Whistleblower Act).

The function may be used by employees as well as other groups protected under the Swedish Whistleblower Act, such as job applicants, volunteers, trainees, partners and subcontractors.

When should I blow the whistle?

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

Examples include:

• The use of public funds, accounting, auditing or bribery.

• Breaches of FBA’s Code of Conduct.

• Serious misconduct affecting the agency’s vital interests, such as serious environmental offences.

• Risks to individuals’ life and health, such as major deficiencies in workplace safety.

• Very serious forms of discrimination and harassment.

How you are protected

The Swedish Whistleblower Act protects people who report serious problems or misconduct within an organisation.

The protection includes exemption from liability and protection against obstructive measures or retaliation. There are also provisions concerning damages. To be covered by the protection, you must, among other things, have reasonable grounds to believe that the information about the misconduct is true at the time you make the report, and you must belong to one of the categories of persons protected under the Swedish Whistleblower Act.

Protection against retaliation also applies to people who assist you or who have a connection to you, such as a family member or colleague. An employer who violates these provisions may be liable to pay damages.

How do I blow the whistle?

You can report misconduct by sending a letter, calling us or arranging a personal meeting. Clearly state that your report concerns whistleblowing under the Act on the Protection of Persons Who Report Misconduct.

In your report, describe what happened and what you believe was wrong. The clearer your description of the problem, the easier it will be for us at FBA to assess whether an offence or other violation has occurred. You should also explain your relationship with FBA, which establishes that you are covered by whistleblower protection.

We do not recommend reporting by email because email can never be completely anonymous.

By letter

Send your letter to:

Folke Bernadotte Academy
Box 270 68
SE-102 51 Stockholm
Sweden

Use two envelopes. Mark the inner envelope “Whistleblowing”.

By telephone

Call one of the authorised persons in the internal whistleblowing function during working hours to arrange a time for your report to be received. FBA does not record telephone calls.

Anna Varg, Legal Counsel
Susanne Moberg, Head of Department, Governance and Support

Telephone switchboard: 010-456 23 00

In person

If you would like to report in person, you must first contact us by letter or telephone to arrange an appointment.

You may also make your report to your immediate manager or another employer representative whom you trust, for example if the persons responsible for the whistleblowing function themselves are the subject of the report.

What happens when you blow the whistle?

In brief, the following takes place when a report is received through FBA’s whistleblowing function:

1. The report is received through FBA’s internal or external whistleblowing channel. The Head of Unit for HR and Communications and the Legal Counsel assess whether the reported matter falls within the scope of the Swedish Whistleblower Act or should be handled under other rules. No one else has access to submitted reports.
   

2. The whistleblower receives confirmation. You will receive confirmation that your report has been received within seven days. Follow-up information will then be provided to a reasonable extent and no later than three months after the confirmation.
   

3. The matter is investigated. If necessary, additional people may be involved in the investigation. They will have access to relevant data and are bound by confidentiality. During the investigation, the precautionary principle applies in order to prevent harm to the whistleblower, the person suspected of misconduct or any other person involved in the case. The identity of the whistleblower will be protected to the greatest extent possible.
   

4. Disciplinary measures. During the investigation, it may be necessary to suspend someone from their duties or restrict their access to certain information. Disciplinary measures are decided by the Staff Disciplinary Board.