Whistleblower Policy

Integrity is all about doing what you say you are going to do. Integrity is also about being reliable even when no one is looking or in the face of outside pressure. Integrity creates trust, in our organisation, but also in our employees and in our collaborations, both internally and externally. This is why integrity is so vital within Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The Integrity Coordinator watches over this.

Safety & Security People & Society

What is the whistleblower policy?

If you suspect an integrity violation, there is a 'whistleblower policy' in place to ensure you can report this safely. Moreover, it allows the organisation to pick up and handle any integrity violations in a qualitative, consistent and compliant manner, protecting both the whistleblower and other stakeholders in the process.

A whistleblower is a person, who, in the context of work, reports malpractices that are deemed to be illegal, immoral, undesirable, unsafe or fraudulent. The term may have a negative ring to it, but is not negative at all. After all, whistleblowers act with integrity and in all sincerity.

Who can be a whistleblower?

Anyone who witnesses a breach of integrity can report it via this hotline. This means not only internal employees, but also external parties can report breaches under our whistleblower policy.

When can you be a whistleblower?

There are several types of integrity violations: fraud, abuse, ethical concerns, labour law violations, environmental pollution, failure to comply with public procurement laws, etc. A complete, but not exhaustive, list of violations can be found in the whistleblower procedure.

If you suspect or notice an integrity violation: What do you do?

1. Report it

Go to the port's reporting and information point. Click on the 'Whistleblower Policy' category and submit your report using the form.

Reporting and info point

2. Anonymously or not?

The reporter's personal details will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

You can also opt to submit your report anonymously using this hotline. You therefore do not have to mention your personal details and relationship to Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Nevertheless, it may make sense to leave a possible anonymous e-mail address. This means the integrity coordinator still has a point of contact. Indeed, sometimes additional information is needed to further investigate the report.

3. What happens to your report?

You will receive confirmation of receipt within 7 calendar days of submitting your report. Only the Integrity Coordinator has access to the hotline. Together with the experts, the Coordinator will review and investigate the report.

If the report is not anonymous, the reporter will receive feedback on the action planned or taken and the reasons for that follow-up within three months. The reporter is not given access to the contents of the investigation.