Do you know what can be reported in Compliance? In general, reports can be made regarding actions that violate laws, ethical standards, or regulatory requirements within an organization. This means that practices such as fraud, corruption, bribery, moral and sexual harassment, discrimination, document manipulation, misuse of company resources, unfair competition practices, and any other actions that go against internal policies, national or international laws, can be reported.
The whistleblowing channel plays a crucial role in identifying these irregularities and allowing the company to take corrective measures to mitigate legal and reputational risks.
Continue reading to better understand what can be reported in Compliance!
Types of Irregularities That Can Be Reported in Compliance
First, it is important to highlight that the main mechanism for reporting compliance violations is the Whistleblowing Channel, which receives a wide range of reports concerning illegal, unethical, or improper conduct that goes against the organization’s principles.
Among the most common cases that can be reported are:
Fraud
Fraud involves deceptive or dishonest acts intended to cause harm to another party, either through misrepresentation or omission, leading to damages or failure to fulfill obligations.
Corruption
Corruption, whether active or passive, refers to the act of soliciting, offering, or accepting undue advantages, either directly or through third parties. Bribery and any form of illegal dealings with public or private agents should be reported. Reporting corruption is a preventive action to protect the organization and its members from serious legal consequences.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves concealing the illicit origin of financial resources or assets to make them appear legitimate.
Harassment and Discrimination
Any form of harassment, whether moral, physical, or sexual, and any type of discrimination—based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics—is unacceptable in any work environment.
Other Irregularities
In addition to the practices mentioned above, the Whistleblowing Channel can also be used to report a variety of other violations, such as:
- Environmental damage
- Labor law violations
- Document forgery
- Bribery
- Conflict of interest
- Privacy and data protection violations
All these situations involve violations of both legal requirements and the organization’s ethical commitments.
Ensuring Confidentiality and Whistleblower Protection
One of the key pillars of the Whistleblowing Channel is whistleblower protection, allowing the individual to remain anonymous if desired. Confidentiality is guaranteed, and the information is only shared with those responsible for investigating and resolving the case.
A whistleblower acting in good faith is protected from retaliation, creating a safe environment for reporting irregularities.
The reporting process should be simple and efficient. In most cases, reports can be submitted through an online platform, and it is important to provide as many details as possible about the incident. If the information provided is insufficient for an adequate investigation, the Compliance Officer may follow up to request additional details.
Furthermore, companies are encouraged to allow reports to be made in person or in writing to any member of the Compliance Committee.
Conclusion
The Whistleblowing Channel is an essential tool for maintaining ethics, transparency, and integrity within an organization. Reporting illegal or unethical practices contributes to a safer and fairer workplace while protecting the organization from legal and reputational risks.
