Blowing the whistle – Frequently asked questions

Andreas Wahlström

Last updated: 12/19/2023

Read this before blowing the whistle. When should you make a report? What protection do you have? What can you expect? There's a lot of things that are good to know.

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When should I blow the whistle?

If you are aware of a suspected misconduct related to your work that is so serious that there is a public interest in investigating it, you can use the whistleblower channel. It's often better to discuss the matter directly with your immediate supervisor or other relevant person. However, sometimes you cannot, or do not feel comfortable doing so, then you can use the whistleblower channel. Do not blow the whistle on things that are already widely known, such as things you have read about in the media, unless you have specific information through your work, that can contribute to a potential investigation.

What is meant by "public interest" for it to be a whistleblower case?

If an issue only concerns the relationship between you and your employer, it does not fall under whistleblower law. For whistleblower law to apply, the suspected misconduct must affect many people, a group that can be described as the public. There are other factors that can affect this, such as embezzlement of public funds or other financial crimes like bribery or corruption. If you are unsure if your case falls under whistleblower law, it's better to report it to be on the safe side.

What happens if my report is not a whistleblower case?

It's okay. If you make a report in the whistleblower system that, upon assessment, does not qualify as a whistleblower case, you will simply be informed of this through the whistleblower system.

When will I receive feedback on my whistleblower report?

First, you should receive confirmation that your report has been received, often immediately upon submission. Then, you can expect feedback within three months, but it often happens sooner. The feedback should include information on whether the employer intends to act on your report or if the case will be dismissed from the whistleblower process. There are limitations on what employers can disclose due to confidentiality and privacy reasons.

What protection do I have as a whistleblower?

The employer must ensure that you, or those who have assisted you with the report, do not face any form of retaliation (punishment or other negative consequences) as a result of your report. You also have the right to use information that you would not normally have access to if it is necessary to make the report. However, you do not have the right to commit any crimes to access the information.

Who can blow the whistle?

Anyone, but you should have obtained the information about the suspected misconduct in a work-related context. That is, you can blow the whistle on things you have learned within the scope of your employment and that concern your employer. You can also report after your employment has ended. The rules apply not only to employees but to anyone with an employment-like relationship, such as temporary employees, interns, volunteers, and even consultants with an employment-like relationship to the employer.

Can I remain anonymous as a whistleblower?

Whistleblower law does not require anonymity, but many employers offer that option. Your report is confidential, and only a few selected individuals will have access to it. They are obligated to handle your information with great integrity. However, keep in mind that it is often easier to conduct an investigation effectively if the investigator knows who the whistleblower is, enabling a dialogue. So, if possible, provide your contact information in the report. In Lantero's whistleblower service, it is possible to remain anonymous.

Who gets to see my whistleblower report?

Your report is confidential, and only a few selected individuals will have access to it. These may include selected investigators and any individuals necessary to assess your report. Those who have access to the report are obliged to handle the information carefully to ensure confidentiality. The employer is also obligated to ensure that the prohibition of retaliation is adhered to (prohibition of punishment and other negative consequences as a direct result of a report).

Example of a whistleblower report

A whistleblower case can relate to many different things. Common to all is that it should be work-related, have a public interest in being investigated, and involve suspicion of a serious misconduct. Some fictional examples of what it could be:

  • Environmental violation: A construction company repeatedly mishandles waste from its construction projects, leading to suspicion of environmental violations.
  • Corruption: A procurement officer suspected of taking bribes in connection with procurements.
  • Conflict of interest: A senior manager in a municipal department repeatedly hires his relatives as personal, in a way that indicates a conflict of interest and deviation from employment policies, especially serious as it is funded with public funds.
  • Theft: Several employees repeatedly steal materials from the workplace for significant amounts, and the immediate supervisor is aware but takes no action.

More information

Whistleblowing is regulated by law, and the Work Environment Authority is the responsible authority. To learn more about this, you can visit the Work Environment Authority's website:

https://www.av.se/om-oss/visselblasarlagen/