Direct Access for Works Councils and other Representatives

At the international level, trade union associations (ICFTU, TUAC, and others) have long been speaking out in favour of effective whistleblower protection. The most important support for colleagues is to bring about open, protected channels of internal risk communication. On these pages you will find some basic points of departure.

Works councils and other representative bodies can become active in acute individual cases or as part of a long-term process. Here you can primarily expect assistance in building strategies. Basic know-how for the counselling of colleagues as well as information on available outside help is also provided.

1. Strategy Building in this context means determining the best way to take an active role in an organisation in establishing rules for the treatment of internal risk communication. Especially where management is not sure whether they can count on a partner relationship with employees, such consultation may help to reach practical solutions together.

There are minimum requirements depicted on these pages for appropriate regulations and for protection of whistleblowers. Since these rules still have to be adapted to existing management structures and to the size of the organisation, they can be no panacea or fill-in template. You can make use of our experience in helping to set up such rules and in their implementation to stimulate innovation from the side of the employees. We assist with all steps of strategy formation.

2. We offer seminars and training for the advisors of whistleblowers. In dealing with the subject of internal risk communication, it is the primary task of employee representatives to counsel potential whistleblowers regarding their own protection and to help those who have already become active to avoid possible damage. What matters most of all is assessing the situation accurately, avoiding unnecessary further harm and to see what additional need for consultation exists. The works council itself cannot and should not assume the task of legal counselling, whereas lawyers from the trade unions with expertise in this field may be of help. However, even today the works council will be expected to help avert unnecessary damage. For this, members of employee representation must themselves have an understanding of how whistleblowing and risk communication work. For this we can offer consultation ranging from individual counselling up to workshops for larger groups.

3. In order to introduce a meaningful structure for internal risk communication or to help employee representatives be able to offer a good consultation program, we provide you with information about . We are best reached by telephone at +49 6442 954760-0 or via email.