Internal whistleblowing system

Internal whistleblowing system

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

People in Need (PIN) provides safe and confidential channels for reporting suspected misconduct, violations of PIN’s Code of Conduct, policies or standards, and suspected breaches of applicable law.

Responsible contact persons for reporting and investigation: 

Barbora Vonešová (RDD)
Martina Zikmundová (all other sections)

How to submit a report? 

A report can be submitted through the Internal Whistleblowing Channel of People in Need, o.p.s. (hereinafter referred to as PIN). You can choose the reporting channel that is most appropriate for you:
 
  • PIN SpeakUp:
    Reports can be submitted securely through the SpeakUp web platform or the SpeakUp mobile app. Reports may be submitted anonymously. Reports may be submitted in any language.
  • By email: You can also submit a report by email to whistleblowing@pinf.cz. (Having trouble with the email link? Simply copy and paste the email address into your email application.)
  • In writing to People in Need, Barbora Vonešová / Martina Zikmundová, Šafaříkova 24, 120 00 Prague 2 (can be sent by post or delivered in person to the reception at this address), the envelope should be marked: “Do not open – only to attention of the responsible person”. 
  • By phone:
    • Barbora Vonešová: +420 775 894 935
    • Martina Zikmundová: +420 734 742 982
    • A written record of the phone report will be made
  • In person: To submit a report in person, please book the appointment by phone or email. 

The whistleblower may also submit the report through the external reporting system set up by the Ministry of Justice. Reports can in particular be submitted via the electronic form available on the Ministry of Justice’s website: https://oznamovatel.justice.cz

What can be reported? 

PIN’s reporting channels can be used to report suspected or actual misconduct, including: 
  • safeguarding concerns, including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH);
  • fraud, corruption and other financial misconduct;
  • conflicts of interest and other integrity concerns;
  • abuse of authority, harassment, discrimination and other serious workplace misconduct;
  • environmental and social safeguards or other serious breaches of PIN’s Code of Conduct, policies or standards; and
  • violations of applicable law or regulatory requirements.
Using the Internal Whistleblowing Channel (“IWC”), whistleblowers can also report: 
  • possible violation of law that have a negative impact on individuals, public health and safety, or the property of the organization; and 
  • possible violation of law that has the characteristics of a criminal offence or misdemeanour for which the law sets a fine of at least CZK 100,000 or which otherwise violates the law or another legal regulation or a regulation of the European Union in the areas defined in Section 2(1) of Act No. 171/2023 Coll., on the protection of whistleblowers. 

Who can submit a report?

  • Reports may be made anonymously through SpeakUp. Reporters should provide the information available to them in good faith and should not knowingly make a false report. The extent and quality of the information provided may affect PIN’s ability to assess and investigate the concern.
  • A report may be submitted by a person who carries out work or another similar activity for PIN, including employees, volunteers, interns and persons undertaking professional practice. This also includes persons applying for such work or activities.
  • Reports may also be submitted by persons who have a supplier, customer or other professional relationship with PIN.
  • PIN also accepts reports from other persons, including people affected by PIN’s activities, partners and other stakeholders. The fact that PIN accepts a report does not in itself mean that the reporter or the report falls within the scope of protection under Act No. 171/2023 Coll.

Does the whistleblower have protection? 

  • PIN treats information about the identity of a reporter confidentially and shares it only where necessary to assess or investigate the report, where disclosure is required by law, or with the reporter’s consent.
  • If a reporter provides personal data, PIN processes such data in connection with the assessment and investigation of the report and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements. Further information about the processing of personal data, data subject rights and the contact details of PIN’s Data Protection Officer can be found here: https://www.peopleinneed.net/personal-data-protection-policy-1s.
  • The whistleblower has the right to protection against retaliation. PIN prohibits retaliation against persons who raise concerns in good faith or assist with the reporting or investigation of a concern. Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken where retaliation is established. Retaliatory measures are those which are likely to cause harm to the whistleblower and are causally linked to the notification. Retaliation may take the form, in particular, of intimidation, threats, reprisals (including reassignment or termination of employment) or retaliation as a result of the report. The whistleblower, as well as the person who provided assistance in identifying the information in the report, in making the report itself or in assessing its validity, a person who is close to the whistleblower and a person who is an employee or colleague of the whistleblower are protected against any retaliation. If a member of the PIN staff is found to have retaliated, disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, will be taken against that person. 

What happens after a report is submitted?

  • Reports are initially assessed to determine the nature and seriousness of the concern and the appropriate response. Depending on the circumstances, PIN may undertake fact-finding, open a formal investigation, refer the matter to the appropriate internal function, or take other necessary action.
  • Investigations are conducted confidentially, impartially and based on available evidence. Where misconduct is established, appropriate management, disciplinary, corrective or preventive measures may be taken.
  • The reporter will be informed of the outcome to the extent possible, taking into account confidentiality, privacy and other applicable requirements.

How quickly will the report be processed?

  • The whistleblower will receive confirmation that the report has been received within 7 calendar days. 
  • The competent person shall assess the validity of the report and inform the whistleblower in writing of the results of the assessment within 30 days of receipt of the report. 
  • In factually or legally complex cases, this period may be extended by up to 30 days, but not more than twice. The competent person shall inform the whistleblower in writing of the extension of the time limit and the reasons for it before its expiry.
PIN Code of Conduct
Whistleblowing Policy
How to Use SpeakUp and Other Reporting Channels – User Guide
Internal Rules for Investigating Serious Breaches of the Code of Conduct