Investigation of whistleblowing cases
Organisation
The whistleblower function is staffed by the Chief Legal Counsel and the Head of Internal Audit, who report to the Vice-Chancellor. In cases where it is deemed inappropriate to report to the Vice-Chancellor, reporting is made instead to the Chair of the University Board.
Case Handling
Initially, an assessment is made to determine whether the report falls within the scope of the Whistleblower law and should be investigated by the function. If the Whistleblower law is applicable, the whistleblower function will:
- Handle the report and ensure the whistleblower receives confirmation of receipt within seven days;
- Inform the person referred to in the report, if someone is named. In certain circumstances, the function may delay this notification — for example, if the allegations concern a suspected crime to be investigated by the police;
- Investigate and assess the accuracy of the information provided in the report;
Where appropriate, forward information on the investigated allegations to the competent decision-maker for further action; - Provide the whistleblower with a reasonable degree of feedback on the follow-up measures taken and the reasons for them, within three months of the confirmation, or if no confirmation was sent, within seven days of receipt.
During the investigation, the function will contact various officials within the organisation. If necessary for the investigation, external contacts may also be made. To protect the integrity of both the whistleblower and the reported individual, only those strictly necessary will be involved in handling the case. Suspected criminal offenses will be reported to the police.
Decisions and documents related to the case are preserved and registered in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s information management plan. Information in a report may be subject to confidentiality. As a general rule, the identity of the whistleblower is protected both during the reporting and follow-up process.
Cases Not Covered by the Whistleblower law
If a case is not considered to fall under the Whistleblower law but is deemed to require investigation, the whistleblower function may forward the matter to another unit. In such cases, the protections of the Whistleblower law do not apply.
If the case is not considered to fall under the law and does not require further investigation, the case is closed, and feedback is provided to the whistleblower.