Human rights are universal.

We, the Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft der Franziskanerinnen zu Olpe mbH (GFO) and all companies affiliated with us (as defined by Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG)), are committed to respecting human rights and related environmental aspects. A key element of our due diligence obligations is the establishment of an effective whistleblowing procedure that can be used to report human rights and environmental risks or violations.

These rules of procedure provide information on the main features of the whistleblowing procedure, access to the procedure and its availability as well as responsibilities. It also provides information on what happens to incoming reports, i.e. how the whistleblowing procedure is carried out.

Purpose of the whistleblowing procedure

The whistleblowing procedure offers any person the opportunity to report information on human rights and environmental risks or violations that have arisen as a result of the business activities of the GFO and its affiliated companies (within the meaning of Section 15 AktG) in their own business area or at a direct supplier.

Who can report a report?

Any person can submit a report at any time.

Whistleblowing channels

(Attention: Patient complaints are NOT processed via this e-mail address - link to our quality management)

Complaints can be submitted to ombudspersons at any time in two different ways.

By e-mail: Whistleblowing e-mail contact

by post:
VIA Consultc/o Whistleblowing GFO
Martinstraße 25
57462 Olpe

When whistleblowing, the confidentiality of the identity and protection against discrimination or penalisation due to a whistleblowing report are guaranteed. The ombudspersons entrusted with the implementation of the whistleblowing procedure and the GFO's Human Rights Officer act impartially, are appropriately trained, independent, not bound by instructions and obliged to maintain confidentiality.

Procedure of the whistleblowing procedure

1. The whistleblower will receive a confirmation of receipt within 7 days.

2. Throughout the entire procedure, the persons handling the case are in contact with the whistleblower in order to gain a better understanding of the facts of the case, if this is desired and there is a possibility of contact.

3. Once the whistleblower has given their consent, the report is forwarded to the GFO's Human Rights Officer. If the whistleblower does not wish to disclose their identity, the ombudsperson can be asked to conduct this discussion in specific individual cases.

4. It will be examined whether the tip-off falls within the scope of the whistleblowing procedure.

5. If the report falls within the scope of the whistleblowing procedure, the persons handling the report will clarify the facts of the case, if necessary with the involvement of the relevant divisions and specialised departments of the GFO. If a violation of human rights and/or environmental obligations is identified or a violation is imminent, remedial measures will be initiated immediately. The whistleblower may be offered an amicable settlement procedure.

6. The whistleblower will receive feedback on the processed report within 3 months.

7. The employees involved in the whistleblowing procedure follow up on whether and to what extent the corrective measures are implemented.