1. What we do
  2. Prevention
  3. Independent protection authority
  4. Competent authority for the protection of whistleblowers
  5. Competent authority for the protection of whistleblowers

Competent authority for the protection of whistleblowers

The Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia is the Independent Whistleblower Protection Authority in Catalonia. Its designation, both for the public and private sectors, is established by the seventh additional provision of Law 3/2023, of March 16, regarding fiscal, financial, administrative and public sector measures for 2023.

The processing of alerts submitted through the external channel of the Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia is managed separately from the protection functions. The Unit for Whistleblowers Protection of the Prevention Directorate provides support and accompaniment to people who, due to submitting an alert (internally or externally) or publicly revealing an infringement, may be the subject of acts of reprisal. The Analysis and Investigations Directorate manages the external reporting channel, in the terms regulated in Law 2/2023, of 20 February, regulating the protection of people who report regulatory infringements and the fight against corruption, and Law 14/2008 of 5 November, of the Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia.

Regarding institutional integrity and the culture of whistleblowing

From its preventive side, the Office supports public institutions in consolidating their integrity systems, among other ways, by studying, promoting and driving good practices that help improve the quality of public service provision.

It also promotes the culture of whistleblowing in defense of the general interest among public, private and social actors through awareness-raising, training or responding to inquiries.

Regarding the supervision of internal channels

The Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia supervises the correct implementation and operation of internal alert channels.

Regarding the protection of whistleblowers

The Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia ensures that whistleblowers are not subject to retaliation for their status as informants.

Any public or private organization can be contacted to request information about any action that may affect, directly or indirectly, the whistleblower, with the warning that acts of retaliation are prohibited.

Whistleblowers are offered the support measures provided for in the article 37 of Law 2/2023, especially legal support and advice so they can make their decisions in an informed manner. Effective assistance is also provided before other competent authorities, including the issuance of a protected whistleblower certificate.

If you find yourself in a situation like the one described, you can request protection and support from the Anti-Fraud Office of Catalonia.