Whistleblower Reporting Point
The Whistleblowers Protection Act regulates, among other things, the protection of whistleblowers’ rights. This allows whistleblowers to safely report (suspicions of) wrongdoing. Reporters do not need to fear unfair treatment as a result of such a report.
Who is SURF’s whistleblower reporting point intended for?
At SURF, we believe it is very important that we ensure together an honest and safe working environment, where everyone feels safe to speak up if something is not going well.
Do you see something that is not right? Or do you feel uncomfortable about something? We want you to feel free to report it - anonymously if you prefer. Your report helps us strengthen our culture and ensures that SURF is a place where everyone feels respected and heard.
Who can use SURF’s whistleblower reporting point?
The reporting procedure applies not only to SURF employees, but also to employees of other organisations who, through their work, come into contact with SURF. Anyone who works, has worked, or will work for SURF can make a report. The point is that you have become aware of a suspected wrongdoing in a work-related context.
This may include interns, agency workers, secondees or self-employed contractors, but also, for example, job applicants, consultants, cleaners, suppliers or board members.
What can I report as a whistleblower?
- Public-interest wrongdoing
If you suspect that the public interest is at stake, you can make a report. This concerns a situation that goes beyond your own individual interests and that is either structural in nature or so serious or far-reaching that society is affected. An individual employment dispute, for example, does not qualify as a public-interest wrongdoing. - European rules
You can also report breaches of one or more legal rules. Even if there has not yet been a violation, but you suspect a threat, you may report it.
Conditions for reporting
The suspicion of wrongdoing must be based on reasonable grounds. This means that you must be able to substantiate your suspicion, that it is sufficiently concrete, and that it is based on your own observations or documents.
Abuse of the reporting scheme, such as deliberately false or misleading reports, is of course not protected.
What happens to my report?
We treat your report confidentially. Only the two designated reporting officers are informed and will contact you. The report and your identity are shielded from other employees.
We will contact you
- Within 7 days you will receive a response to your report from one of the reporting officers.
- No later than three months after you have received confirmation of receipt, you will be informed of SURF’s position and the steps that have been taken or will be taken. You will be given the opportunity to respond.
Whistleblowers Authority: for advice and information
Would you like to know more about the Whistleblowers Protection Act or about making a report? You can contact the Whistleblowers Authority. They provide advice on making a report, on the statutory protection you will then receive, and on the further steps you can best take.
How can I report as a whistleblower at SURF?
You can make a report under the whistleblowing procedure via the SpeakUp tool. This is an external tool specifically designed to guarantee confidentiality and anonymity. Through this system, you can report in writing (via a form) or orally (via a voice message).