In December 2023, the Whistleblower Act in Sweden will extend to protect small businesses with at least 50 employees. The law has existed for a while, but now it will impact more organizations than ever before.*
Its aim is to ensure that whistleblowers can make reports safely and anonymously while organizations handle cases professionally and independently.
But how can this law be adhered to while following best practices? The answer may lie in using Jira Service Management together with its service portal to create an effective whistleblower management system.
What does the Whistleblower Act entail?
The Whistleblower Act is a crucial part of the legal system, aimed at promoting transparency and reporting of misconduct within workplaces and organizations. The recent change in the law means that small businesses with at least 50 employees must now establish a whistleblower function to meet the legal requirements.
What are the business requirements for the Whistleblower Act?
Individuals handling whistleblower cases must maintain confidentiality regarding information that could identify the whistleblower or anyone else mentioned in the report. Additionally, cases must be handled by independent individuals to ensure objectivity and fairness.
JSM: An effective solution for whistleblower management
To comply with this law while adhering to best practices for whistleblower management, organizations can leverage Jira Service Management. Here are some ways in which this tool can be used to ensure the effective and legal handling of whistleblower cases:
1. Service portal for whistleblowers
With Jira Service Management, you can create a dedicated service portal for whistleblowers. This provides a user-friendly and easily accessible platform where whistleblowers can submit their reports and receive updates on the status of cases.
By offering a structured portal, the organization can meet the requirement of having a clear and accessible whistleblower function.
2. Whistleblower email
Setting up a whistleblower email that goes directly to Jira Service Management ensures that all reports are received in a structured and secure manner. This streamlines case management and prevents reports from getting lost.
Furthermore, automatic response mechanisms can be used to confirm the receipt of reports, providing whistleblowers with reassurance that their concerns are taken seriously and managed in a secure and confidential manner.
3. Clear workflows and timelines
Jira Service Management allows you to establish clear workflows and timelines for handling whistleblower cases. This helps ensure that cases are processed quickly and efficiently without unnecessary delays.
By having well-defined processes, the organization can also demonstrate its commitment to taking whistleblower management seriously, which is crucial for maintaining the trust of those reporting misconduct.
4. Reporting and documentation
Jira Service Management offers comprehensive reporting and documentation capabilities. This is vital for meeting the law's requirement of maintaining detailed records of all whistleblower cases.
Through meticulous documentation, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to complying with the law and its readiness to follow up on and address reported misconduct.
Jira Service Management
Whistleblowing is a crucial aspect of a healthy corporate culture and legal system. With the new law extending to small businesses with at least 50 employees in Sweden, it is essential that organizations have the right tools and processes in place to meet legal requirements while ensuring whistleblowers can report misconduct safely and anonymously.
Jira Service Management provides a robust and flexible platform for meeting these requirements and following best practices in whistleblower management.
By investing in effective whistleblower management, organizations can not only comply with the law but also enhance their reputation as transparent and responsible employers.
*It's important to mention that while this law is specific to Sweden, best practices for whistleblower functions are already in place in other countries and organizations around the world.
Published: Nov 6, 2023
