Which principles apply in the handling of cases reported at UIA?
All incidents shall be taken seriously
All incidents shall be addressed immediately
Anonymous sources can be just as valuable as identified sources
The different forms of reporting shall be assessed on an equal footing
Confidential treatment
The reports system shall be able to be used without the fear of consequences
Whistleblowers shall receive feedback within a reasonable length of time
Contradiction (all parties shall have an opportunity to put forward their view on the case in question)
Necessary documentation during the process
Uncovering instances of wrongdoing shall result in steps being taken
Everyone who receives a report has the duty to adhere to the pursuant general principles for the handling of reporting cases, cf. Norwegian Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs’ guidelines for the preparation of local reporting procedures in the State.
Who handles the report?
The employer assesses who will be involved in the further handling of the case and which measures will be implemented, dependent on the kind of case and who is implicated in the report. The circle of people involved will be as small a group as possible.
Will I get any feedback on my report?
You will receive a confirmation that the report has been received. If the nature of the case demands lengthy handling, you should be notified within a reasonable amount of time that the case will be followed up.
As whistleblower, you have the right to know who is aware of your identity and at which level the case is being handled, but you do not have the right to access to information regarding case handling or whatever assessment has been carried out in connection with the case.
Beyond this, questions regarding transparency will be regulated in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the Public Administration Act, the Personal Data Act etc.
As someone who speaks out against wrongdoing, what rights do you have?
As complainant, you will have the opportunity to put forward your viewpoint to the individual or group dealing with the case, if possible in a meeting where minutes are kept.
If you are not yourself involved in the case, you will no longer be a part of the continuing case handling process. The case officer will contact you should there be a need for further information that might shed light on the case in question. You will receive a confirmation that the case is opened, and will be notified when it is concluded.
What rights do those who have been accused of something have?
In situations where the employer decides whether or not to pursue the case, the accused party will, as a general rule, be made familiar both with the report and the information provided. The individual(s) accused will be called in to separate meetings in order that the case be illuminated from different angles.
In this way, the individual(s) in question will be given the opportunity to put forward their version of the case. When the case has been processed, the person/group involved will be notified immediately, regardless of the outcome.
Documentation
Cases which are brought via the electronic reporting system shall always be archived. In this system, the individual responsible will receive a reminder detailing the most important steps in the case handling process.
When the case is concluded, the case officer will ensure that it is transferred over to UIA’s archiving system, 360.