The EU Whistleblower Directive

The goal of the EU Whistleblower Directive is to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, by implementing solutions at the organizational level. The whistleblower will have the opportunity to report violations inside and outside the organization (to the designated authority or to the media), with the Directive ensuring that the level of protection is the same, regardless the way of means of reporting.

The Directive introduces the so-called “minimum standards” – i.e. common minimum requirements – and stipulates that failure to comply with them will result to sanctions determined individually by EU member countries.

These minimum standards include:

  • confidential channels for receiving reports,
  • seven days window to confirm the acceptance of the application,
  • an impartial person or organizational unit responsible for following up,
  • exercising due diligence when taking follow-up actions,
  • three months maximum to provide feedback on the follow-up actions taken,
  • transparent and easily accessible information on the conditions and procedures for external notifications.

The introduction of reporting channels and mechanisms to protect whistleblowers, as well as a coherent reporting and communication process, will be mandatory for large companies (those with at least 250 employees) as a matter of priority.       

How can EY help

EY's comprehensive solutions allow you to implement the directive and sleep peacefully even if you receive reports from whistleblowers.

Our compliance experts have extensive hands-on experience in the market, that allows them to translate the formal requirements of the Directive into business practices, tailored exclusively to the needs of your organization. We support our clients by developing clear rules that strengthen the culture of dialogue in the organization, and practical tools that allow for efficient adaptation to the requirements of the Directive.

We offer comprehensive support in fulfilling the requirements of the EU Whistleblower Directive. EY’s alternative implementation packages include:

I. Packages for companies that do not have a whistleblowing system in place:

Ready-to-go package:

  • A set of basic, obligatory internal regulations and a communication manual.
  • An IT tool ensuring whistleblower confidentiality and the highest security standards.

Optimum package:

  • A complete set of internal regulations tailored to your company, offering design and support of the communication process.
  • An IT tool ensuring whistleblower confidentiality and the highest security standards, combined with a package of consulting services covered by the subscription.
  • Training for internal investigations team.

II. Packages for companies that have existing whistleblower solutions:

Customization package:

  • Adapting the existing solution to the requirements of the Directive.

III. A solution for any business:

Compliance hotline:

Immediate investigative support (consultation) in emergency situations:

1. initial assessment of the matter within 24 hours;

2. investigation or a follow-up action plan within 72 hours;

3. optionally, provision of support in conducting an investigation

Why EY Forensics & Integrity Services?

Team experience and client trust

EY’s team of forensic and integrity practitioners in Greece, has completed over 800 projects related to detecting and counteracting fraud over the last 16 years, helping build confidence and trust in Greek businesses. Projects include implementation of internal regulations to counteract abuse, development of ethics codes, and whistleblowing regulations and infrastructure.

As part of a global organization, EY is able to efficiently support your company’s needs, regardless of the subject, scope and location.

A leader in the forensics and investigative services market

EY is a leader in fraud risk management and compliance consulting, both in the Greek market and internationally. EY’s interdisciplinary team of professionals, consists of lawyers, forensic accountants, data analysts, psychologists, IT / e-discovery specialists, and fraud investigators.

Uncovering abuse cases is the focus of our operations. For years and on a daily basis, we have been working closely with our clients, supporting them in processing applications. Our unique competences have been developed working directly with whistleblowers.

We broaden the legal context with a business perspective. We have extensive, hands-onmarket experience, working with both Greek and global organizations, allowing us to translate and scale the formal requirements of the Directive according to the needs of your organization.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.