Building on our longstanding tradition of promoting ethical conduct and making it our mission to keep integrity, transparency and accountability at the core, we have introduced DanChurchAid Whistleblower Scheme as the newest addition to our existing reporting channels for raising concerns. This scheme complements our existing DCA Complaints System by providing an additional, secure, and confidential platform specifically for reporting serious misconduct and violations within our organization.
Contact
Investigations Advisor, Anna Katrine Hansen, akha@dca.dk
DCA Whistleblower Scheme ensures you can speak up safely, knowing your concerns will be addressed with the utmost care and confidentiality. This new channel reinforces our dedication to maintaining a culture of trust, ethical behavior, and accountability across all our global operations.
If you are ready to submit a report please click here, if you need more information to ensure you are using the most appropriate reporting channel please read on below.
What is Whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is the confidential reporting by an individual, or individuals, that relates to serious violations or wrongdoings at work, including reasonable grounds to believe they have information. To be classified as whistleblowing, the disclosure of the report must be in the public interest and concern serious violations that are happening, have happened or will happen.
Whistleblowing is not about reporting minor grievances or personal disputes; rather, it focuses on significant matters that impact the integrity of our work, such as criminal offenses, breaches of policy, or actions that endanger health, safety, or the environment. By encouraging and protecting whistleblowers, DanChurchAid aims to foster a culture of openness where everyone feels empowered to speak up against wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Who Can Submit Reports?
DanChurchAid has intentionally defined a narrower scope for who can report through DCA Whistleblower Scheme to ensure that this mechanism is used for its intended purpose, addressing serious internal concerns that directly impact the organization’s integrity and operations.
DCA Whistleblower Scheme is specifically designed for those closely involved in DCA’s work who have unique insights into potential misconduct, legal violations, or breaches of ethical standards within the organization.
Those who can use DCA Whistleblower Scheme is:
- Employees
- Members of DCA Council
- Senior Management
- Board Members
- Interns.
For individuals who do not fall within one of these groups, such as; partners, beneficiaries, donors, or volunteers, DanChurchAid offers other reporting channels, such as DCA Complaints System, which is better suited to address a broader range of concerns. This approach ensures that all stakeholders have the appropriate avenues to voice their concerns while maintaining the effectiveness and integrity of DCA Whistleblower Scheme.
Those who fall outside of DCA Whistleblower Scheme scope are also welcome to use the Danish National Whistleblower Scheme: https://whistleblower.dk/
What Should Be Reported?
This scheme is specifically designed for reporting serious violations that could harm DCA’s integrity or operations, such as:
Criminal Offences
- Theft
- Sexual Assaults
Danger to Health and Safety
- Unsafe Working Conditions
- Actively Endangering Safety of Employees or Others
Environmental Damage
- Illegal Dumping
- Destruction of Protected Habitats
Serious Ethical Breaches
- Bribery or Corruption
- Conflict of Interest
Financial Misconduct
- Embezzlement
- Vendor Fraud
Serious Breaches of DCA’s code of conduct and related policies
Including but not limited to DCA’s Anti-Corruption Policy, DCA’s Child Safeguarding Policy, DCA’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy.
Violations of EU Law
That fall within purview of the EU Whistleblower Directive 2019
- Violation of Anti-Money Laundering Rules
- Market Manipulation
Serious Violations of Danish Law
- Bribery of Public Officials
- Violation of the Working Environment Act
The above are only examples and not an exhaustive list. If you are in doubt as to whether something falls within DCA Whistleblower Scheme scope, we welcome you to report to us and each report will be assessed upon receipt. If the case falls within the scope it will be handled by our Investigations Advisor, and if not, you will be advised on the most appropriate reporting channel.
Protections for Whistleblowers
DanChurchAid is committed to providing robust protection for whistleblowers who report concerns in good faith.
We understand that coming forward with information about serious misconduct or violations can be daunting, and we want to ensure that you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
DCA Whistleblower Scheme offers several layers of protection, both through our internal policies and in accordance with Danish law.
1) Protection from Retaliation
DanChurchAid strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith. This means that if you submit a report, you will not face any negative consequences such as:
- Suspension or Dismissal
- Demotion or Non-Promotion
- Reassignment or Reduction in Pay
- Negative Performance Assessments
2) Confidentiality & Anonymity
DanChurchAid is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of whistleblowers. DCA Whistleblower Scheme ensures that:
- Identity Protection: Your identity will not be disclosed without your explicit consent. Only authorized personnel will have access to your report, and all information will be handled with strict confidentiality.
- Anonymous Reporting: If you choose to report anonymously, the system allows you to do so while still engaging in anonymous communication with investigators. This ensures that your concerns are addressed without revealing your identity.
3) Special Protection Rights
The Danish Whistleblower Act provides legal protection before, during, and after you submit a report. This includes protection from any liability or sanctions for breaching your duty of confidentiality when the information pertains to matters covered under DCA Whistleblower Scheme.
4) Protection for Facilitators
If someone assists you in the reporting process (e.g., legal advisors or colleagues), they are also protected from retaliation under Danish law.
5) Support
We offer support throughout the process:
- Guidance and Communication: Our Investigations Advisor will be your point of contact, providing updates and guidance throughout the investigation.
- Access to External Reporting: If you are not satisfied with how your report is handled internally, or if you believe the issue is too serious to be managed within DanChurchAid, you can also report directly to the Danish National Whistleblower Scheme, which offers additional oversight and protection.
If any form of retaliation is attempted against you, DanChurchAid will take immediate action to protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
How to Report
1) Prepare your Information
Before you submit a report, take some time to gather and organize the information you have. The more details you can provide, the more effectively we can investigate the issue. Consider including:
- Specific details about the incident, such as dates, locations, and the individuals involved.
- Any supporting evidence you may have, like documents, emails, or photographs.
- A clear description of the concern and why you believe it’s a violation of DCA’s policies or legal standards.
2) Access the Reporting Portal
When you’re ready to report, access our secure Whistleblower Reporting Portal by clicking the link provided on this page. The portal is managed by an external vendor to ensure the highest level of confidentiality and security for your report.
3) Complete the Reporting Form
In the portal, you will be guided through a form where you can detail your concerns. The form will ask for:
- Your identity (optional): You can choose to remain anonymous or provide your contact details. Reporting with your identity allows us to follow up for more information if needed, but anonymous reports are also fully accepted.
- The details of your report: Provide a comprehensive account of the issue, including all relevant information and evidence you have gathered.
4) Submit Your Report
After you have completed the form and reviewed your information, submit your report through the portal. You will receive a confirmation that your report has been successfully submitted.
What Happens Next?
Once your report is submitted:
- Acknowledgment: You will receive a confirmation, and your report will be reviewed by our Investigations Advisor.
- Assessment: The Investigations Advisor will assess whether the report falls within the scope of DCA Whistleblower Scheme and determine the appropriate next steps.
- Investigation: If your report is within scope, a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted. You may be contacted for additional information if necessary.
- Outcome: After the investigation, you will be informed of the outcome and any actions taken, depending on the confidentiality level of the case.
By following these steps, you can help us maintain the integrity and accountability of our work, ensuring that DCA continues to operate in line with our core values.
Need Assistance?
If you need help submitting your report or have questions about the process, you can contact our Investigations Advisor at akha@dca.dk. We are here to support you and ensure that your report is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Submit a Report
If you’re ready to share a serious concern or have witnessed misconduct within DanChurchAid, our Whistleblower Scheme is here to provide a safe and confidential way for you to do so.
You can decide whether to report anonymously or to include your contact details. While we accept anonymous reports, including your identity can help us follow up with you for additional information if needed and allow for a more thorough investigation.
Please click the button below or scan the QR code and it will take you to the reporting form.
External Reporting
DanChurchAid would like to encourage you to use our Whistleblower Scheme and give us the opportunity to rectify any wrongdoings but if you do not feel comfortable using DCA’s Whistleblower Scheme then you can utilize the National Whistleblower Scheme:
