Whistleblower Protection Laws Explained in Poland: What You Need to Know

In a move to strengthen employee rights and encourage transparency, Poland has passed the Whistleblower Protection Act, implementing the EU’s 2019 whistleblower directive. The law aims to protect individuals who report breaches of Union law within their organizations.

Key Aspects of Whistleblower Protection in Poland

To guide businesses through this process, we have compiled answers to key questions on the topic:

Who is required to introduce an internal reporting procedure?

Organizations with at least 50 employees or persons performing work for remuneration are obligated to establish a whistleblowing channel.

What new obligations do employers face under the Whistleblower Protection Regulations?

Employers must implement an internal reporting channel, conduct investigations, and provide feedback to whistleblowers. They will also be subject to fines if they fail to introduce an internal reporting procedure or breach the regulations.

Can organizations within a capital group have a common internal reporting procedure?

Yes, private entities belonging to a capital group can adopt a common internal reporting procedure, but it must comply with Polish law. This means that the procedure will need to be verified for compliance with Polish regulations.

How much time do employers have to implement the internal reporting procedure?

The Whistleblower Protection Act is set to enter into force within three months of its publication. However, this deadline may prove too short for some organizations to comprehensively implement whistleblowing solutions, and we recommend taking steps now to comply with the law.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

A failure to introduce an internal reporting procedure or breach of the regulations can result in fines imposed on responsible persons. It is essential for entities covered by the Whistleblower Protection Act to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance.

KPMG Law Support

KPMG Law offers comprehensive support in preparing and implementing internal procedures, conducting investigations, and other activities required by the Whistleblower Protection Act.