Netherlands Informs Second Chamber on Progress in Strengthening Whistleblower Protection

This week, Minister Bruins Slot (Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations) informed the Second Chamber about the progress in strengthening the position of whistleblowers. In a letter to the Chamber, she further elaborated on the plans for a fund to provide legal and psychosocial support to whistleblowers. The minister also provided information on the status of follow-up legislation and detailed regulations. Additionally, the minister outlined the plans for a campaign promoting a safe working and reporting climate.

In the letter, the minister provided an explanation of the principles for organizing psychosocial and legal support for whistleblowers. The focus should be on the whistleblower, and flexibility is necessary to adapt the support services. The minister has proposed financing models for the support and the criteria for granting such support to whistleblowers.

The minister aims to have a draft General Administrative Order (AMvB) ready after the summer, which will establish the detailed regulations required to enforce provisions on anonymous reporting. The AMvB will also undergo (online) public consultation. The proposal will outline how employees can anonymously report suspicions of misconduct to employers and the requirements for individuals who will receive these reports.

The letter also addressed the progress of the campaign to encourage a safe working and reporting climate among employers. A network has been established, involving employers, the House for Whistleblowers, and other organizations. Various activities and meetings have been organized to share knowledge and raise awareness about the importance of a safe working environment.

In the minister’s previous letter to the Second Chamber on May 8, 2023, it was mentioned that certain provisions of the Whistleblower Protection Act have not yet come into effect, including those related to the new supervisory and sanctioning tasks of the House for Whistleblowers. The new letter states that a preliminary (legal) investigation is being conducted regarding these tasks of the House for Whistleblowers. The results of this investigation will be available around October 1.

The government’s efforts to strengthen the position of whistleblowers and create a safe environment for reporting misconduct are progressing. The comprehensive plans for legal and psychosocial support, along with the campaign for a safe working climate, demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the well-being and protection of whistleblowers in the Netherlands.

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/07/07/minister-informeert-tweede-kamer-over-voortgang-versterking-positie-klokkenluiders


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