Whistleblower Protection Laws in Faroe Islands: A Safeguard for Employees

The Faroe Islands has introduced a whistleblower protection law to promote transparency and accountability within government institutions. This scheme is open to all employees of high commissioner’s offices in the region, including those working under the High Commissioner’s Office in Greenland.

What can be reported?

Under this scheme, whistleblowers can report matters such as:

Criminal offenses
Repeated violations of legislation and administrative laws
Serious person-related conflicts at the workplace
Sexual harassment
Deliberate misleading of the public or partners

Reporting process

Employees who have witnessed or are aware of these incidents can submit reports anonymously, but they must take care not to include any identifying information. Upon receiving a report, the Prime Minister’s Office may ask follow-up questions to gather more information about the case.

In some instances, whistleblowers may be required to provide guidance on how their report should be handled.
If no contact information is provided, the Prime Minister’s Office can only reach out to the whistleblower through the digital whistleblower portal.

Accessing the scheme

To access this scheme, employees must log into the digital portal and respond to any questions raised by the Prime Minister’s Office. It is essential for whistleblowers to retain a 16-digit key generated once they submit their report, as it enables them to access the portal and receive updates on the status of their report.

Key dates

The whistleblower protection law has been in effect since December 17th, 2021.
Employees are advised to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and procedures outlined in this scheme.

Benefits of reporting incidents

By reporting serious breaches or malpractices, whistleblowers can play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability within government institutions in the Faroe Islands. The whistleblower scheme is accessible through the Prime Minister’s Office website, providing employees with a secure platform to report incidents and seek protection from retaliation or harassment.

Confidentiality

By utilizing this scheme, whistleblowers can be assured that their reports will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the law.