Fieldfisher and Whistleblowing: A Multifaceted Approach to Building a Speak-up Culture.

Posté le 23 oct. 2023

​​​​​​​In an era increasingly focused on transparency, governance, and ethics, whistleblowing – the act of reporting unethical or illegal conduct – has become a crucial subject for businesses. Fieldfisher, with its one-stop approach, offers a fresh and holistic solution to this issue.

Fieldfisher and Leaders League have assembled a panel of experts to shed light on this pivotal topic:

Jean-François Germain: As Managing Partner of Fieldfisher’s Brussels office, Jean-François provides profound knowledge of the legal industry and keen understanding of the major issues related to whistleblowing.

Frédéric Rouvez: As co-founder and CEO of EXKi, Frédéric brings an entrepreneur’s perspective, underscoring the importance of compliance and ethics in today's business world.

Philippe Lambrecht: Serving as a board member and secretary-general of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) and currently a professor at Belgian University UCL, Philippe provides both an academic and business perspective on whistleblowing, one that balances theory with on-the-ground reality.

Jean-Pierre Bizet: A former director at McKinsey in Paris and current advisor to American investors in the biotechnology sector, Jean-Pierre delivers a global and strategic perspective, emphasizing the importance of whistleblowing across various business sectors and cultures.

Olivier Van Herstraeten: As the coordinator of the whistleblowing project at Fieldfisher, Olivier is at the heart of implementing this initiative, offering an insider's view on the challenges and triumphs encountered.

Across four illuminating videos, the collective voices of our experts serve as a guiding light, offering comprehensive and nuanced insight on the subject of whistleblowing. These videos allow us to better grasp the dynamics of whistleblowing through the Fieldfisher filter and discover how, together, expertise, transparency and ethics can foster a more accountable business environment.

 

Introduction to Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing, or lanceur d'alerte in French, refers to a situation where an individual reports a suspected breach of a legal provision. Jean-François Germain, Managing Partner of Fieldfisher’s Brussels office, outlines the ways in which an employee might report a suspected corrupt act within their organization. Reporting channels vary from internal mailboxes and hotlines to informing the ombudsman or even public disclosures on social media.

Hors-Série Décideurs Juridiques : Whistleblowing with Fieldfisher (1/4)

 

Understanding the New European Regulation

The enactment of the European Union Whistleblower Directive is discussed. Jean-François Germain and other guests detail the criteria that must be met if an internal reporting system is to comply with this regulation. They also broach the vital question of the governing bodies' involvement in establishing these whistleblowing mechanisms.

Hors-Série Décideurs Juridiques : Whistleblowing with Fieldfisher (2/4)


Feedback: Is the New Legislation an Opportunity or Constraint for Companies?

Our panelists delve into the potential benefits and pitfalls of this legislation. Key questions remain about the effects of this new law. Is it perceived as a primary recourse or an option of last resort? Does it represent an opportunity or a hindrance for companies?

Hors-Série Décideurs Juridiques : Whistleblowing with Fieldfisher (3/4)

 

Between Sanctions and Opportunities – Decoding the EU Whistleblower Directive:

The fourth installment of our Fieldfisher and Whistleblowing series examines the repercussions and sanctions for non-compliant companies and highlights the opportunities arising from prudent risk management. At the heart of the discussion, a pivotal question is posed by our four panelists: which elements of this legislation are virtuous, and which might lead to undesirable consequences? A crucial consideration for any company keen on complying with this directive and maximizing the benefits of doing so.

Hors-Série Décideurs Juridiques : Whistleblowing with Fieldfisher (4/4)

 

These four videos provide a full and balanced view of the new European regulation on whistleblowing, from its fundamental definition to the practical implications for businesses. With its one-stop solution, Fieldfisher serves as an invaluable liaison and consultant for small and medium to large-sized enterprises. This not only enables companies to set up a compliant and efficient whistleblowing system but also ensures it is regularly updated to adapt to shifting legal and ethical requirements.  Fieldfisher stands out as a vital partner for any organization aspiring to confidently navigate the intricate realm of whistleblowing.

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