Information for Whistleblowers
In relation to the company
KOVAR a.s.
Registered office: No. 212, CZ - 756 11 Leskovec
Company ID: 45197164
(hereinafter referred to as "KOVAR")
What is whistleblower protection and why is it being implemented?
Whistleblower protection refers to the situation where a person reports possible unlawful, unethical or improper conduct.
In accordance with Act No. 171/2023 Coll., on the Protection of Whistleblowers, KOVAR has established an internal reporting system that allows such potential misconduct to be reported while protecting the whistleblower from retaliation.
The ability to report suspected misconduct gives all of us the opportunity to uphold ethical, professional and social values in business – values that are fundamental to all activities at KOVAR. Our goal is to maintain a healthy corporate culture and a safe working environment.
Who can file a report?
The internal reporting system may be used by any person who performs work for KOVAR under an employment contract or similar working relationship, or as part of volunteer activities, internships, or professional placements; self-employed persons working with KOVAR; members of KOVAR's corporate bodies; and other cooperating persons.
In accordance with Section 9(2)(a) of the Whistleblower Protection Act, KOVAR excludes the acceptance of reports through the internal reporting system from individuals who do not perform work or a similar activity for KOVAR as defined in Section 2(3)(a), (b), (h) or (i) of the Act.
What constitutes a report?
A report is information about a potential unlawful act that has the characteristics of a criminal offence or administrative offence, or that violates a legal regulation or EU regulation governing any of the following areas, which the whistleblower has learned of in connection with their work or similar activity.
What can be the subject of a report?
The report may concern conduct that:
- has the characteristics of a criminal offence,
- has the characteristics of an administrative offence for which the law provides a fine with an upper limit of at least CZK 100,000,
- violates the Whistleblower Protection Act,
- violates another legal regulation or EU regulation in areas such as finance, counter-terrorism financing, consumer protection, environmental protection, transportation safety, public procurement, radiation and nuclear safety, or other areas listed in Act No. 171/2023 Coll.
What must a report include?
According to Section 2 of the Whistleblower Protection Act, a report must include:
- the whistleblower’s name, surname and date of birth, or other information sufficient to identify them,
- identification of the persons suspected of unlawful conduct,
- a detailed description of the alleged unlawful conduct that has occurred or is likely to occur within the company.
How is the whistleblower protected?
Only the Designated Person has access to the report and the whistleblower’s identification and contact details. The whistleblower is protected from retaliation if they have submitted the report in good faith, believing the information to be true.
If a whistleblower knowingly submits a false report, they are not protected. If such a false report causes harm to KOVAR, its employees, corporate bodies or cooperating persons, KOVAR reserves the right to pursue any claims available under applicable law.
How can a report be submitted?
Designated Person at KOVAR a.s.: Simona Hlaváčová
Reports may be submitted to the Designated Person in any of the following ways:
- by email: simona.hlavacova@kovar.eu
- by telephone: +420 571 425 506
- by post: in a sealed envelope marked “do not open – to be delivered to the Designated Person only”, addressed to: Leskovec 212, CZ-756 11
- in person: delivered directly to the Designated Person
- externally: through the secure online form provided by the Ministry of Justice at: https://oznamovatel.justice.cz/chci-podat-oznameni/ .