Issues / There is a report or suspicion
ISSUE
There is a report or suspicion
A report can immediately put pressure on employees, managers, and the organization. The first choices often determine whether the follow-up remains diligent, independent, and manageable.
What is important now?
Protect the people involved
Ensure safety, confidentiality, and protection against retaliation for the reporter, the accused, and other parties involved.
Avoid premature conclusions
Take the report seriously, but remain careful, independent, and unbiased as long as the facts have not yet been established.
Maintain control and trust
Make it clear who is responsible for follow-up, who has access to information, and how decisions are recorded and communicated.
What can you do now?
Record the report carefully
Acknowledge receipt, clarify what is being reported exactly, and secure relevant information and documents.
Make an initial assessment
Assess the nature, severity, and urgency of the report and identify safety risks, conflicts of interest, and potential obligations.
Determine an appropriate next step
Make a reasoned decision on whether research, another intervention, or first additional information is needed, ensuring independence and expertise in the process.
How EthXCom can help
Carefully clarifying the question
We map out the report, the context, and the interests involved, and formulate a clear and proportionate investigation assignment.
Independently investigating the facts
We analyze relevant documents and interview stakeholders to carefully establish facts, circumstances, and different perspectives.
Doing justice to those involved
We apply the principle of hearing both sides where appropriate and required, so that those involved can respond to relevant information.
Clear and traceable reporting
We document the facts, findings, and scope in a carefully substantiated report that provides guidance for next steps.
Appropriate services
Not every signal immediately requires a formal investigation. A careful intake helps to first determine the facts, the severity, the interests involved, and the appropriate route.