The Fraunhofer whistleblowing system

One key element of the due diligence obligations set forth in the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG) is the establishment of an effective complaints procedure that can be used to report human rights and environmental risks or violations.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has therefore expanded its existing BKMS® whistleblowing system to include a dedicated LkSG channel so that reports on violations of the LkSG can be processed systematically and consistently.

The rules of procedure set out the main features of the complaints procedure, including access to the procedure and responsibilities. They also provide details on how incoming information and complaints are handled, i.e., how the complaints procedure is carried out. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and its entities attach great importance to presenting this information in a comprehensible and transparent manner in order to ensure the greatest possible clarity about the process.