Frequently asked questions
Key answers about contact, costs, confidentiality, and what happens next.
What does an external compliance ombudsperson do?
The ombudsperson receives reports of possible violations of laws and rules, asks follow-up questions, and assesses the facts legally. The organization engages the attorney as a personal point of contact outside its own structure. Any additional reporting office functions are determined by the engagement.
Does making a report cost me anything?
Using the confidential reporting service engaged by an organization is free of charge for whistleblowers. The organization bears the cost. Personal legal representation in your own matter is a separate engagement.
Do I become the ombudsperson’s client by reporting?
No. In the ombuds model, the engagement is with the organization that appoints the attorney. Whistleblowers are covered by the safeguards. Representation of personal claims or personal criminal defense requires a separate assessment and, where appropriate, another attorney without a conflict of interest.
Can I report without giving my name?
You can submit a report without giving your name, for example by mail. Bear in mind that the content or surrounding circumstances may make it possible to identify you. Without a way to contact you, we cannot ask questions or provide feedback. This website’s contact channels are not a technical anonymization portal.
Will my employer learn my name?
Your identity is treated confidentially. We discuss which information may be shared. The HinSchG nevertheless provides statutory exceptions. An ombudsperson therefore cannot promise that disclosure is ruled out in every circumstance. More about confidentiality and protection
Do I need to be able to prove the violation?
You do not need a complete body of evidence to contact us. Describe specific facts and identify assumptions. Protection under the HinSchG depends, among other things, on whether you had reasonable grounds at the time of reporting to believe your information was true and within the Act’s scope.
Is an external ombudsperson an external reporting office?
These terms have different meanings. A law firm outside the company may operate its internal reporting office. External reporting offices under the HinSchG are the government bodies established by law. We clarify our responsibilities under the engagement at the outset.
May I report directly to a government authority?
The HinSchG generally allows a choice between the internal and a competent external reporting office. You are not generally required to approach the company first. Disclosing information to the press or the public is subject to different, stricter requirements.
When will I receive feedback?
Under the HinSchG procedure for an internal reporting office, receipt must be acknowledged within seven days. Feedback generally follows within three months of acknowledgment; if there is no acknowledgment, no later than three months and seven days after receipt. This requires a way to contact you. Details of the process
Are you also an insurance ombudsman or dispute resolution body?
No. We receive compliance reports concerning the organizations we serve. Consumer dispute resolution regarding insurance benefits is a different function. In Germany, this is handled in particular by the Versicherungsombudsmann e. V. (German).
What if I was involved myself?
Making a report does not automatically grant immunity from prosecution or protect you against all personal liability. Raise any possible involvement early, before disclosing details. Separate legal counsel may be necessary.