Denmark’s National Whistleblower Scheme Sees Significant Growth in 2024

Key Takeaways

• Substantial Increase in Reports: The National Whistleblower Scheme saw a 25% rise in reports in 2024, reflecting a growing awareness and use of the system.
• Shift in Focus: Reports concerning public authorities grew significantly, while data protection cases declined to 23% of total reports.
• Higher Impact: 44% of the processed cases in 2024 were referred to relevant authorities, including three that involved police action.

Deep Dive

As Denmark's National Whistleblower Scheme marks its third year, the Danish Data Protection Authority has released its 2024 annual report, shedding light on a year of growth, change, and continued focus on protecting those who speak out against legal violations. Established to provide a safe space for whistleblowers, the scheme has proven to be a critical part of Denmark’s approach to safeguarding EU law and ensuring accountability across both public and private sectors.

“The National Whistleblower Scheme has now existed for a good three years and has become a well-established scheme, with good, secure procedures for receiving and processing reports,” said Morten Gjermundbo, Head of the Department overseeing the scheme. “We treat the reports confidentially, and when needed, we ensure that the relevant authorities take the necessary action.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

The numbers for 2024 show a noticeable spike in activity. A total of 186 reports were submitted, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. For context, 2023 had already seen a notable uptick in reports—149 in total—but 2024 has shattered that benchmark. While reports involving public authorities have surged, with the number rising from 46 in 2023 to 73 last year, it’s clear that the private sector still leads the charge. Of the 186 reports, 113 were related to private companies and individuals, signaling that concerns within the corporate world are still top of mind for many whistleblowers.

This growing trend is not entirely unexpected. The National Whistleblower Scheme’s shift in 2023 to emphasize its broad mandate, along with its rebranding, seems to have paid off. In fact, the percentage of data protection-related cases has dropped—down to just 23% in 2024, compared to 35% in 2023. The scope of what gets reported has expanded, reflecting the public’s increased awareness of where they can turn to report not just data breaches, but a range of serious issues—be it workplace conditions, financial irregularities, or breaches of environmental laws.

When it comes to how these reports are handled, the National Whistleblower Scheme operates with a sense of urgency and a respect for confidentiality. According to the Whistleblower Act, cases must be completed within three months, unless the case’s complexity demands more time. In 2024, the vast majority of cases were handled within the prescribed timeline, with one case extending just one day beyond the deadline. This commitment to speed, while ensuring thorough investigation, is a testament to the scheme's professionalism.

And for those wondering how much time is typically spent processing a case, the average processing time in 2024 was about 30 days. A quick turnaround, especially when you consider the sensitive nature of many of the issues at hand. However, a handful of cases did require a longer investigation, with one case taking nearly five months to complete—highlighting the fact that not all whistleblower concerns are straightforward.

A Growing Responsibility

The figures and outcomes speak to a growing recognition of the National Whistleblower Scheme’s importance. In 2024, 44% of processed cases were referred to relevant authorities, including three cases that went to the police. This represents a significant increase from previous years, where only 26% of reports were passed on in 2022 and 33% in 2023. The increase signals that the scheme is playing an even more vital role in ensuring that serious issues get the attention they deserve.

Yet, not all reports result in action. Some cases were closed due to insufficient information, while others were deemed outside the scope of the Whistleblower Act. There were also reports that came from individuals who didn’t qualify as whistleblowers under the Act, accounting for 51 cases in 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

With another year of strong activity and a renewed focus on process improvements, the scheme is poised to continue playing an essential role in Denmark's commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of whistleblowers.

The GRC Report is your premier destination for the latest in governance, risk, and compliance news. As your reliable source for comprehensive coverage, we ensure you stay informed and ready to navigate the dynamic landscape of GRC. Beyond being a news source, the GRC Report represents a thriving community of professionals who, like you, are dedicated to GRC excellence. Explore our insightful articles and breaking news, and actively participate in the conversation to enhance your GRC journey.