DCA’s Reporting Channels

At DanChurchAid (DCA), we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and transparency in all our activities.

To support these values, we have established both DCA Complaints System and DCA Whistleblower Scheme. These two mechanisms allow individuals to report concerns, but they serve different purposes and have distinct processes.

Whilst we welcome reports through both these channels, we encourage you to consider if this matter can be resolved using your local HR representative, direct line manager or another staff member who may be able to assist. If you do not feel comfortable approaching any of them, or you feel the matter is too serious then please utilize one of these channels described below.

DCA Complaints System

Who can use it?

What should be reported?

DCA Complaints System is the designated reporting channel for any operational complaints, which relate to the quality of DCA’s work locally and globally. DCA also welcomes sensitive complaints, these are complaints that relate to any behavior by DCA employees or staff from partner organization supported by DCA funding that are serious breaches of DCA’s Code of Conduct and related policies.

Employees should use DCA Whistleblower Scheme if they witness any incidents which are defined as sensitive complaints.

Key Features

Accessibility: The system is open to anyone who wishes to report a concern, ensuring that all complaints are treated with fairness, confidentiality, and integrity.
Broad Scope: Covers a wide range of concerns, from programme implementation quality to ethical violations.
Protections: DCA protects complainants from any retaliation or penalties when they report concerns in good faith.
Confidentiality: All complaint-related information is handled with strict confidentiality to protect the complainant, affected persons, and any third parties involved.
Anonymity: DCA’s Complaints System does not accept anonymous reports at this time as it can create complications in the investigation.

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is the act of confidential reporting by an individual about serious violations (unethical, illegal or unsafe practices) pertaining to DCA’s work, that are happening, have happened or that will happen, and the disclosure of this must be in the public interest.

DCA Whistleblowing Scheme

DCA Whistleblower Scheme is specifically designed for reporting serious violations or misconduct within DCA’s operations that are in the public interest. This mechanism is available to current and former employees, council members, board members, senior management, and interns. The scheme is used to report matters such as:

Key Features

Accessibility: DCA Whistleblower Scheme is not open to all, it is designed to be used by employees, council members, board members, senior management and interns.
Narrower Scope: This is only used to report severe misconduct, legal violations, and unethical behavior.
Legal Protections: Whistleblowers are protected by the EU Directive and the Danish Whistleblower Law. These laws include protection from retaliation before, during and after the Whistleblower submits a report. Whistleblowers are also guaranteed confidentiality around their identity.
Anonymity: DCA Whistleblower Scheme allows anonymous reporting, however, DCA encourages you not to report anonymously as it can delay and disrupt the investigation and limit how effective the protections offered are.

What are the Differences?

Aspect	DCA Whistleblower Scheme	DCA Complaints System (relevant for DCA employees only)	DCA Complaints System (relevant for external parties)
Definition	Reporting serious misconduct, illegal activities, or unethical behavior.	Reporting personal grievances or issues related to dissatisfaction about the programme/projects.	Reporting sensitive complaints Reporting personal grievances or issues related to dissatisfaction or conflicts.
Examples	Fraud or financial misconduct Corruption or bribery Health and safety violations Environmental law breaches        Systemic discrimination or harassment Violations of laws and regulations	Interpersonal conflicts Unfair treatment or bias	Fraud or financial misconduct Corruption or bribery Sexual Exploitation or abuse Dissatisfaction with quality or quantity of a service Partner dissatisfaction with Cooperation Agreement Other breaches of the Code of Conduct commitments
Purpose	Addressing systemic or serious issues affecting the organization or public interest.	Resolving personal or smaller-scale issues affecting individuals.	Addressing serious issues affecting the organisation Resolving personal or smaller-scale issues affecting individuals.
Reporting Channels	Dedicated Whistleblower Scheme Can use internal or external reporting channels.	Internal Complaints System	Internal Complaints System
Process	Independent Investigation Investigator sits in Risk and Compliance Control Unit in DCA	Internal Investigation Investigator sits on the Strategy, Quality and Management Unit in DCA	Internal or External Investigation Investigation manager sits on the Strategy, Quality and Management Unit in DCA
Confidentiality	Strong Confidentiality Measures	Confidentiality respected	Confidentiality respected
Protections	Legal Protections from the EU & Danish Law	Organizational Policies to protect complainant with utmost confidentiality but no legal protections.	Organizational Policies to protect complainant with utmost confidentiality but no legal protections.
Outcome	Can lead to legal action if necessary Organizational Learning & Development Launch Further Investigation Disciplinary Action	Unlikely to have legal repercussions Adjustments to workplace environment Mediation Sessions Changes in DCA practices.	Can lead to legal action if necessary Organizational Learning & Development Launch Further Investigation Disciplinary Action Changes in DCA practices.
Legal Framework	EU Directive on Protection of Whistleblowers Danish Law on Protection of Whistleblowers	Internal DCA Policies.	Internal DCA Policies
Anonymous Reporting	Supported but not encouraged	Not supported as not appropriate.	Not supported as not appropriate.

Which DCA Reporting Channel Should I use?

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