What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is reporting censurable conditions at UiO. Of primary concern are situations that violate the law or ethical norms. Whistleblowing ultimately helps the university to improve our educational environment for everyone and should be considered if students or staff observe any of the following:
- Unethical, illegal, or punishable conditions associated with the learning and work environment, pollution, corruption, misuse of public resources or abuse of power
- Problems or deficiencies that can contribute to serious injury or loss of life
- Students or staff being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against in connected with their work or studies at UiO.
As a student, you can also report situations that you have experienced yourself.
UiO’s web form for whistleblowing
The web form is encrypted and sent over a secure connection to your local Speak Up Office. The staff at your faculty’s Speak Up Office is responsible for the correct routing and handling of your report. Your report will not be anonymous but will be handled by staff that is bound by a confidentiality agreement so that your privacy will be maintained.
Who will know that you have complained?
Your identity will not be known to any more people than are necessary to resolve your case. The person who is the subject of a complaint has the right to know about, see the details of, and comment on the complaint. That is to say that in most cases, a person accused of wrongdoing will know the identity of the person who has accused them.
Verbal reporting
You can make a report by telephone or in person to the Speak-up office at your faculty.
Anonymous reporting
It is possible to make an anonymous complaint via telephone or letter to the Speak-up office at your faculty. The Studentombud or your attorney can also make an anonymous report on your behalf. Be aware that anonymous complaints against staff or fellow students rarely lead to sanctions. In most cases, UiO needs to know your identity to follow your complaint.
UiO’s duty to investigate
Whether you report a case anonymously or via web-form, the person who receives your complaint is obliged to forward your case to the appropriate manager or department so that work can begin on researching and resolving the reported problem.
Support
A caseworker will keep in contact with you while the case is being investigated as well as after the case has been resolved. It can be a good idea to discuss the case you wish to report with someone (for example, your local Student Ombud or a SiO Student Advisor, before you make your report. They can be an important resource, attending meetings and supporting you while the case is resolved. Whistleblowing can be difficult because you need to describe what you have experienced for those who will investigate the case. You may also, in the event a court case is initiated, be asked to be a witness. Be prepared to experience resistance and denial from the person or persons accused of wrongdoing - this may make you feel uncomfortable.
Documentation
Be sure to keep documentation that supports your case (e-mail, sms, letters, pictures, etc.). Write what you experienced down as soon as possible.
Claim against claim
Understand that UiO may have limited possibilities for action or implementing sanctions against a staff member if there is no evidence to support an accusation of misconduct. Your complaint may, in any case, have an effect in that it may discourage similar cases in the future.
Protection from retaliation and independent oversight
Staff members are not permitted to retaliate against you after you have reported a case (for example, by giving you a poor grade or limiting your carrier opportunities). UiO’s Internal Auditing Unit receives a copy of every whistleblowing case that is submitted and is responsible for ensuring that these cases are handled appropriately. If you do feel that you are experiencing negative consequences associated with your report, please use the online form.
Police reporting
If the actions or situation is punishable under law, you will be encouraged to make a police report. UiO may also, either by its own decision or due to legal reporting obligations, report the case to the police.
False accusation
Be aware that making false accusations against an individual is a criminal offence.
If you are unsure whether you should report a case, consider contacting the Ombud for Students ombud or one of SiO Counselling's student advisors.
Follow-up
Read more about the follow-up when you have reported a serious problem.
Injured at UiO?
If you have been injured at UiO, contact the nearest supervisor or learning environment contact at the study to report the incident. If you do not know who to report to, you can use the online form.
The Ombud for Students
The Ombud for Students at UiO is an independent support person who provides students with advice and assistance.
Go to the Ombud for Students at UiO
Speak up reception
All faculties have a Speak up reception consisting of the faculty's study leader / dean, learning environment contact and a deputy. See the overview of learning environment contacts at the faculties (Norwegian).
Internal Auditing Unit
The Internal Audit Unit is an independent entity at UiO that can check that issues are being followed up properly.