Whistleblowing at Universum

Speak Up: Whistleblowing at Universum

At Universum Communications Sweden AB and its subsidiaries and group affiliates (“Universum”, “we” or “us”), we believe in transparency, accountability, and doing what’s right. To maintain a culture of trust, we’ve created a secure and confidential whistleblowing channel available to anyone who needs to raise serious concerns.

Our system is fully aligned with the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive (2019/1937) and relevant national laws in EU member states where we operate.

What Can Be Reported?

You can use our whistleblowing system to report suspected wrongdoing that is in the public interest.

This may include:

• Financial misconduct, fraud or corruption

• Bribery or conflicts of interest

• Workplace harassment, discrimination or abuse

• Breaches of data protection or privacy laws (e.g. GDPR)

• Environmental violations or health and safety risks

• Violations of EU or national laws

• Any serious misconduct affecting the organization or public trust

You do not need firm evidence — a reasonable suspicion is enough. If you report in good faith, you are protected by law.

Report Securely and Confidentially

We use a secure external reporting platform, hosted by Hailey HR, to ensure confidentiality and legal compliance across all EU jurisdictions.

👉 Report a concern via our whistleblowing portal

Through this portal, you can:

• Submit a report anonymously or with your name

• Communicate securely with investigators

This system is managed by Universum’s Compliance and People Team to ensure neutrality and is fully GDPR-compliant. 

How the Process Works

Once you submit a report:

1. Receipt Confirmation – You’ll receive an acknowledgment.

2. Initial Assessment – The report is reviewed to determine appropriate follow-up.

3. Investigation – If warranted, a confidential investigation is launched.

4. Feedback – Within 3 months, we aim to provide feedback or an update on actions taken (where legally permissible and feasible).

Your identity will never be disclosed without your explicit consent, unless required by law.

Who Can Report?

In line with the EU Directive, our system is open to:

• Current and former employees

• Job applicants and candidates

• Interns, trainees, and volunteers

• Contractors, suppliers, and business partners

• Shareholders and board members

• Others connected to Universum in a work-related context

Legal Protections for Whistleblowers

If you report a concern in good faith:

• You are protected from retaliation under EU law

• You have the right to confidentiality

• You cannot be demoted, dismissed, harassed, or otherwise penalized for speaking up

These protections apply across the EU and are implemented through national laws in each member state. Anyone found retaliating against a whistleblower may face disciplinary and legal consequences.

Data Protection & GDPR Compliance

We take your privacy seriously. All personal data provided through the whistleblowing system is processed in accordance with:

• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• The EU Whistleblower Directive (2019/1937)

• Applicable local laws in each EU member state where Universum operates

Your report and any related data will be securely stored, accessible only to authorized personnel, and retained only for as long as necessary under legal and regulatory requirements.

Please see our Privacy Policy for more information on how we handle personal data. 

Not Sure If You Should Report?

If you’re unsure whether your concern qualifies, we still encourage you to speak up. All reports are reviewed seriously, and you will not be penalized for raising a concern in good faith.

Even if the issue doesn’t fall under whistleblowing laws, we may still address it through internal procedures. 

Thank You for Making a Difference

By reporting concerns, you help protect Universum’s integrity and foster a safe, ethical, and legally compliant workplace. Your voice matters — and we’re here to listen.