Whistleblower Channel
What Is a Whistleblower Channel?
A whistleblower intake channel is a mechanism through which employees, clients, or other stakeholders can report concerns related to misconduct or irregularities within the organization or its business operations. These may include violations of statutory regulations, such as labor laws, breaches of ethical standards, suspicions of money laundering, or other forms of non-compliance.
Norwegian labor legislation mandates that organizations establish systems and procedures for the intake, case management, and investigation of whistleblower reports.
Uncovering such issues is also in the organization’s best interest, as effective whistleblower case handling can mitigate legal and reputational risks, reduce exposure to litigation, and avoid unnecessary process costs.
Furthermore, the whistleblower framework must comply with GDPR and information security requirements. This includes ensuring the anonymity of the whistleblower and implementing safeguards against retaliation.
KPMG’s External Whistleblower Service
An external whistleblower channel, operated by an independent third-party, can complement internal reporting mechanisms by offering whistleblowers the option to report to an impartial entity.
Secure and confidential reporting can strengthen the organization’s compliance posture, enhance its reputation, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that both employees and external stakeholders will report potential misconduct without fear of retaliation.
We offer an external whistleblower intake service that is cost-effective, independent, and professionally staffed, ensuring clear and secure communication. Our approach safeguards the interests of the whistleblower, the employer, and any other affected parties.
Key Features:
How We Handle Whistleblower Reports
How We Handle Whistleblower Reports
- Secure digital whistleblower portal
- Postal mail
- Telephone
- In-person meetings
Through the digital portal, employees can upload supporting documents, record audio statements, and choose to remain anonymous.
Upon submission, the whistleblower automatically receives a confirmation of receipt. Each report is immediately assigned to a dedicated case handler from KPMG. The case handler confirms receipt and initiates secure, encrypted communication with the whistleblower to ensure confidentiality and integrity throughout the process.
As the designated whistleblower intake receiver, KPMG is responsible for the initial handling of the report. This includes confirming receipt, identifying the allegations, determining whether the disclosure qualifies as a whistleblower report, clarifying anonymity preferences, assessing risk, and evaluating the appropriate course of action. KPMG will compile its assessment in a dedicated memorandum and provide recommendations for further handling to the designated client contact.
As a client, you are provided with a secure and encrypted case management system through which the whistleblower report is forwarded. You can process the report within the same platform, assign classifications, store documentation, and communicate securely and confidentially with KPMG’s case handler. This ensures that sensitive information is stored in a protected environment and not shared through, for example, email.
The case management system includes a dedicated dashboard offering an overview of all cases and statistics suitable for analysis and reporting. It features an audit log that ensures traceability throughout every stage of the case handling process, as well as access control options for your case handlers. The system is user-friendly and intuitive, and we provide training as part of the implementation process.
A designated contact person at KPMG is available to assist with further advisory related to each individual report.
We offer fast and straightforward implementation. The digital whistleblower intake channel is customized to align with the client’s logo, color scheme, and visual identity.
The intake channel is made accessible via a link published on the client’s website or intranet. The web solution is optimized for use on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Why Choose Us
Our digital whistleblower intake channel is market-leading and ISO-certified. The intake team consists of attorneys and advisors with interdisciplinary expertise and extensive experience in handling whistleblower cases and regulatory advisory. Our intake service is part of Norway’s largest professional environment within investigations and compliance.
We assist with:
- Advisory in individual cases
- Preliminary assessments
- Forensic investigation services
- Preservation of electronically stored information
- Development and revision of whistleblower procedures and frameworks
- Training and education
- Legal advisory and law firm services
We have the expertise to support you and your organization with exactly what you need.
Summary of KPMG’s Whistleblower Intake Channel
Contact Us
Get a quote tailored to your organization, or reach out to one of our experts for a conversation to learn more about how an external whistleblower intake channel can strengthen your organization.
