Whistleblower Protection Office

What it means

The Whistleblower Protection Office is an independent Slovak authority that protects people who report wrongdoing. It advises them, gives employers methodological guidance and inspects whether they have a working internal reporting system as required by the Whistleblower Protection Act.

The Office was set up following the EU directive on the protection of persons who report breaches of law. Its role is to ensure that people are not afraid to report corruption, fraud or other serious misconduct at work and are not penalised for doing so.

Besides inspecting employers, the Office can, at a protected whistleblower's request, suspend the effect of an employment action taken against them, such as a dismissal. It can impose fines on employers and others for breaching the law.

How it works in practice

Employers above a set minimum headcount and certain other entities must have an internal system for receiving and investigating reports, meaning a whistleblowing channel. It must be accessible, keep the reporter's identity confidential and have a designated responsible person.

The internal system is part of a wider compliance programme alongside an anti-bribery policy and a code of ethics. A working system helps the company detect problems early and reduces the risk of corporate criminal liability.

The Office publishes guidance, templates and FAQs that help smaller firms set up a system proportionate to their size. In case of doubt, companies can contact the Office directly with questions about how to meet a specific obligation.

What to watch out for

If an employer takes an adverse employment action against a protected whistleblower, such as dismissal, reassignment or a pay cut, without their consent or the Office's consent, it risks sanctions and an employment dispute. Decisions concerning such an employee should be carefully documented.

Confidentiality of the reporter is essential. Revealing their identity or trying to find out who made a report breaches the law. Only a small circle of authorised persons should have access to reports, and records must be protected against unauthorised access.