Whistleblowing is a tool that allows anyone working with or for We4 Clinical Research to report, in good faith, serious or irregular behaviour observed within the organisation, through secure and confidential channels, including on an anonymous basis.
What is a report?
A report is the communication of information about facts that may represent:
- Violations of laws or regulations (e.g. safety, privacy, anti‑corruption).
- Violations of the Code of Conduct (violence, harassment, bullying, mobbing, discrimination).
- Fraud, corruption, embezzlement, or misuse of company resources.
- Undeclared or non‑transparently managed conflicts of interest.
- Any unethical behaviour or conduct that may potentially harm individuals, clients, partners, or the company as a whole.
The person making a report (whistleblower) may be an employee, consultant, collaborator, supplier, or any individual who comes into contact with the organisation and becomes aware of relevant facts.
Why submit a report?
Submitting a report does not mean “accusing” someone on a personal level, but rather contributing to:
- Preventing or limiting harm to people, colleagues, clients, and partners.
- Reducing the risk of serious violations that may lead to sanctions, legal proceedings, or reputational damage.
- Strengthening a working environment based on trust, respect, and shared responsibility.
How whistleblowers are protected
Best practices – and European legislation – provide that those who report in good faith are protected and listened to.
- Confidentiality: the identity of the whistleblower is protected and known only to those managing the channel, except where disclosure is required by law.
- Possibility of anonymity: the individual may choose not to reveal their name, for example by using a platform that generates a unique code.
- Prohibition of retaliation: the company may not punish, demote, isolate, or discriminate against anyone who reports in good faith.
- Structured follow‑up: each report is analysed according to a clear procedure, with defined timelines, responsibilities, and feedback methods.
These safeguards help reduce the fears associated with “speaking up” and enable people to contribute safely to the prevention of unlawful acts and irregularities.
Why it matters
An effective reporting system:
- Helps identify potential violations of GCP or protocols in a timely manner.
- Supports data protection (e.g. GDPR) and regulatory compliance.
- Reinforces the trust of sponsors, research sites, regulatory authorities, and patients.
For this reason, encouraging people to “speak up” when they see something that is not working is not just a legal obligation, but a key element of We4 Clinical Research’s culture of integrity and quality.
The management of whistleblowing reports is entrusted to the Steering Committee, in coordination with Company Management.
If, after reading this information, you feel that your experience or concern should be shared, you can proceed simply and safely by accessing the dedicated whistleblowing channel and completing the online form, including on an anonymous basis.