Implementation of the European Whistleblower Directive in Germany – Employers Need to Act by December 17, 2023

With some delay, the German legislator has implemented the requirements of the European Whistleblower Directive (EU) 2019/1937 into national law. The Whistleblower Protection Act (“Hinweisgeberschutzgesetz” – HinSchG) entered into force at the beginning of July 2023. It aims to provide adequate protection and support to individuals who uncover malpractice or illegal activities in companies and public institutions. So-called whistleblowers can play an important role in exposing corruption, fraud and other illegal activities. The HinSchG obliges companies to set up internal reporting channels to which whistleblowers can go. As of December 17, 2023, all companies that generally employ 50 or more employees will be required to establish appropriate reporting channels. In our webinar, Jacqueline Piran and Andre Appel provide an overview of the legal background, the design options for internal reporting channels, and the impending sanctions for any failure to comply with the legal obligations.

This course is designed primarily for attorneys, human resources professionals, and executives, including in-house counsel, general counsel, and board members. We certify attendance for submission to bar associations or employers.