Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing: Reporting Illicit Conduct
Employees, contractors or employees of outside firms
Highlights
The protection of an employee who reports wrongdoing in the work environment has been incorporated into Italian law by Article 54-bis of Legislative Decree No. 165/2001.
Recently, Art. 54-bis of Legislative Decree No. 165/2001 was amended by Law No. 179 of Nov. 30, 2017 on “Provisions for the protection of the authors of reports of crimes or irregularities of which they have become aware in the context of a public or private employment relationship ” (published in the Official Gazette of Dec. 14, 2017).
Protecting those who report wrongdoing is in the interest of the legal system so that corruption and maladministration emerge.
As indicated by A.N.A.C. in Determination No. 6 of 04/28/2015, the reporter must rely on effective protection that prevents him or her from exposure to discriminatory measures.
Reference Standards
In April 2017, Regulations were published in the Official Gazette by which the A.N.A.C. regulates its supervisory activities, respectively:
- On the prevention of corruption
- On the Inconferability and Incompatibility of Offices, as well as on compliance with the rules of conduct for public officials
- On compliance with the publication requirements of Legislative Decree no. 33/2013
In addition, in the April 27, 2017 statement, the A.N.A.C. defined the scope of intervention of the Authority National Anti-Corruption Authority, highlighting cases where reporting is not followed up with supervisory or verification activities.
Definitions
- Whistleblower: a public employee who reports violations, irregularities or abuses committed to the detriment of the public interest that he or she has witnessed or become aware of by reason of the performance of or in connection with his or her work.
- Whistleblowing: procedures designed to encourage reporting and at the same time protect the employee who reports wrongdoing.
Contacts for Reports
To submit reports of misconduct, you can contact the Anti-Corruption Officer at the email address: