Fraunhofer whistleblowing system for serious misconduct

Why should I submit a report?

As the largest organization for applied research in Europe, we have a social responsibility. Compliance with statutory and internal rules is therefore also a natural part of a positive and open organizational culture.

We all share responsibility for the implementation of the principles of conduct at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Perhaps you are aware of damaging behaviour or risks which endanger the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. With your report, you help us avoiding financial or reputation damage and thereby contribute directly to the lasting success of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft!

We want to effectively protect you as whistleblower and offer you here a communication platform secured with the newest technologies to permit the submission of personalized or anonymous reports. You can further set up an anonymous postbox in order to make an active contribution to the solution of the case.

What kinds of report are useful to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft?

Report severe violations of applicable laws and internal organizational rules or principles of conduct, such as criminal acts (corruption, fraud, theft, misappropriation, etc.), scientific misconduct, data protection violations or environmental crimes.

You will receive detailed information on the possible categories of a report during the reporting process.

Any type of violation of internal regulations and other statutory regulations, such as the Equal Treatment act (AGG) can be reported via the usual communication channels (e.g. manager, competent department, (general) works council, complaint office according to AGG or human resources department).

Whistleblowers who act in good faith need not fear any negative consequences. "In good faith" means that the whistleblower is convinced that his/her statement is accurate and true, regardless of whether a subsequent investigation might confirm or refute this statement.
Accordingly, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is grateful for every report, and every report will be investigated and handled in strict confidentiality. In the interest of fairness, consideration should also be given to the valid interests of an employee affected by an accusation. Whistleblowers are therefore asked to use the system responsibly. It may not be used to knowingly submit false or slanderous information. Misuse may result in personal consequences as well as civil or criminal law consequences.

How will my report be processed? What is a postbox and how do I set up one?

To submit an anonymous or personalised report, start by clicking the “Submit Report” button located on the top left side of our introduction page.

The reporting process consists of 4 steps:

1. First, you will be asked to read the information on the protection of your anonymity and to answer a security query.
2. On the following page, you will be asked about the category of your report.
3. On the submission page, you can elaborate on your report in your own words and answer questions about the incident by simply selecting responses. You can type up to 5000 characters into the free text field, which corresponds to a full A4 page. You may also submit a file of up to 10 MB in the format .docx or .pdf to support your report. Please bear in mind that documents can contain information about the author. Following the submission of your report, you will receive a reference number to confirm that you have sent this report.
4. Please subsequently set up your own secured postbox. You will receive feedback from us via this postbox, including answers to questions and information about the progress of your report.

If you already have a secured postbox, you can access it directly via the “Login” button. First, you will have to answer a security query.

As long as you do not enter any data from which conclusions about your person can be drawn, the technology of the BKMS^® System will protect your anonymity.

Please rest assured that we are interested only in the case you are reporting. Malpractices must be revealed and financial losses prevented.

How do I receive feedback and remain anonymous at the same time?

The overriding principle of the BKMS^® procedure in use is the protection of the whistleblower. The system's anonymity protection function is certified by an independent body.

When setting up your secured postbox, please select your own pseudonym/user name and password. Your report is kept anonymous through encryption and other specialised security measures. You will never be asked for personal information at any time during the reporting process. Do not submit any information that can be traced back to you. Please do not use a computer provided by Fraunhofer to submit your report.

Via the secured postbox, an examiner will give you feedback about the further processing of your report or ask you questions if some details are still unclear - you remain anonymous throughout the dialogue. We are interested in reports to avoid damage, not in you as a whistleblower.