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Confidentiality

According to the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG), the identity of the whistleblower is particularly protected. There is a confidentiality obligation.

Nevertheless, it may be necessary for you to disclose the identity of the whistleblower in order to conduct investigations, or the person being interviewed may inevitably will know the identity of the whistleblower. For this, you must obtain the justified and limited consent of the person.

Use this template to obtain consent.

Dear Whistleblower,

We are conducting investigations based on your tip from {Date}. For this, we would like to interview the following persons:

-  {PersonX}: {Reason why this is necessary}

Due to the circumstances, your identity will inevitably be disclosed to this person. We need your consent for this.

Please send us your consent. You can use the following wording.

Best regards,
{First Name Last Name}

--- Response Template

{Salutation},

I hereby grant you permission to disclose my identity to

-  {PersonX}

in connection with my tip to the internal reporting office from {Date}.

Best regards,
{First Name Last Name}

Information on Disclosure to the Public Prosecutor's Office​

Additionally, it may be required to disclose the identity of the whistleblower to the public prosecutor's office. The whistleblower must be informed about this. Use this template:

Dear Whistleblower,

The public prosecutor's office in {Location} is conducting investigations related to your tip from {Date}.

We are cooperating with the public prosecutor's office and are obligated to disclose documents including your identity. We would like to inform you of this with this letter.

Best regards,
{First Name Last Name}