Last updated: 2023-10-19
At Avalanche Studios Group, we strive to create a supportive and respectful work environment where we look out for each other and follow all applicable laws. If you see something that you think is wrong, we want to know about it to make it right. One of the ways to do this is through the “whistleblowing system”, which is implemented in accordance with applicable legislation.
We believe that the whistleblowing system outlined in this policy is essential to detecting and taking action against work-related misconduct. If you bring a claim forward, we pledge to investigate it fully to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace exists for all of us. Should we find anything inappropriate, we take immediate action.
This policy outlines when you should speak up and report misconduct to our Whistleblower Unit, the protection of whistleblowers, the internal reporting process, and how we will support you.
This policy is available on our internal HR Site and Avalanche Studios Group’s external website.
What’s the definition of a whistleblower?
A whistleblower is someone associated with Avalanche Studios Group reporting unethical or illegal misconduct. In short, all people associated with Avalanche Studios Group can be whistleblowers. It doesn’t matter if you’re an employee, intern, contractor, board member, or job applicant.
Making a whistleblower report
You can make a whistleblower report about suspected or confirmed unethical or illegal misconduct cases within Avalanche Studios Group. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against employees for making good faith reports. By good faith report we mean a report of misconduct which the person making the report has reasonable cause to believe is true.
Examples of misconduct reportable within the Whistleblower system:
- Crime, such as crimes against work environment laws or financial regulations
- Personal data breaches
- Something that goes against our Code of Conduct
Examples of matters reportable outside of the Whistleblower system:
- Personal grievances
- Sense of unfair treatment in terms of salary or promotion
- Claims or complaints regarding products or services
If you are unsure whether an act of misconduct is reportable or not, we recommend that you report it. Coming forward is the right thing to do, and our Whistleblower Unit carefully reviews all reports.
The Whistleblower Unit investigates all concerns and is assigned by the company management to be independent and autonomous. The Whistleblower Unit is authorized to:
- Receive reports and have contact with employees who have reported a concern
- Initiate an investigation and involve parties relevant to the matter
- Ensure a follow-up with the employee
The Whistleblower Unit representatives are:
How do I file a whistleblower report?
There are a number of different ways you can report your concerns. You can talk to the Whistleblower Unit directly in person or per phone. If you’re more comfortable filing a report anonymously, you can use Winningtemp or talk with someone outside Avalanche Studios Group using external whistleblowing channels.
Winningtemp
To submit a report, log in to Winningtemp and click on the “Whistleblow” button at the top.
A representative from the Whistleblower Unit will review the report and get back to you. Please note that Winningtemp is only available to employees and interns.
Reach out to the Whistleblower Unit
You can always contact any member of the Whistleblower Unit. You can reach them here:
- Andreas Hjerpe Sällquist +46 (0) 76 721 47 15
- Linn Winslott +46 (0) 73 514 89 53
- Torbjörn Carbell +46 (0) 73 682 18 25
If you’re in Stockholm, you can also meet over a personal meeting that may be recorded with your consent.
Letter
Send a letter to:
Fatalist Development AB
BOX 112 38
100 61 Stockholm
Sweden
Mark the letter with “Whistleblower Unit – Confidential”.
Please note that if you provide us with contact details, we’ll be able to get back to you directly for further information as we investigate your concern.
IMPORTANT: If you reach out to the Whistleblower Unit through Winningtemp, you don’t need to include any contact information as they can communicate with you directly and anonymously. Please include your contact details if you use any other channels and would like the Whistleblower Unit to get back to you.
External whistleblowing channels
It’s only with knowledge of misconduct that we can improve as a company, but If you feel more comfortable talking to someone outside of Avalanche Studios Group, you can file a report via external reporting channels to the relevant authorities. For example, the Information Commissioner's Office or the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection is relevant when reporting privacy concerns. If you are unsure and need guidance on which authority to turn to, we recommend contacting your labor union or:
Sweden: Swedish Work Environment Authority, the supervisory authority in Sweden.
New York: The Office of the Attorney General
Liverpool: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
What to include in a whistleblower report?
You should include the following in your whistleblower report:
- What is your concern?
- What happened?
- Where did it happen?
- When did it happen?
- Have you taken any other action concerning this case?
In the report, you should not include any sensitive information from a privacy standpoint unless it is relevant to the case, including details on someone's health, sexual orientation, or political or religious beliefs.
When will the Whistleblower Unit get back to me?
If you make a report via phone or a personal meeting, you will immediately get confirmation that the report has been received. If you make the report via Winningtemp, or letter, you will receive confirmation of receipt of the report as soon as possible and no later than seven days after your submission. You will also receive a follow-up from the Whistleblower Unit within three months of submission.
In case of an emergency or imminent danger to someone’s life or health, you should always call the emergency number in your country.
Sweden: 112
New York: 911
Liverpool: 999
Anonymity and Non-Retaliation
The Whistleblower Unit is not allowed to disclose information that may reveal your identity or any other individuals appearing in the report. If you're using Winningtemp, you’re always anonymous. However, there are exceptions to this to take appropriate action. Examples include handing over the report to HR, company management, or law enforcement.
We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against anyone who files a report in good faith. An employee who is not knowingly misrepresenting facts in a whistleblowing report is protected by law against any form of retaliation for making the report. Retaliatory conduct can take many different forms, including suspension, dismissal or demotion, or other unfair treatment. If you suspect that someone is retaliating against you, we encourage you to contact your manager, HR manager, or Whistleblower Unit.
Investigation
What happens when I make a report?
First, only the Whistleblower Unit has access to the reports, including those made through Winningtemp. All reports are carefully reviewed to determine the appropriate course of action, including:
- Documenting all activities and the investigation.
- Confirm that the report has been received within seven days of receipt.
- Determine if the report should be handled by the Whistleblower Unit, be handed over to HR, or not be further investigated (see below).
- If the next step is to conduct an investigation, it should always be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible.
- There might be a need to involve other stakeholders when absolutely necessary. These stakeholders will only be given relevant data and are committed to confidentiality.
- At the end of an investigation, the Whistleblower Unit will take the actions it sees as necessary, which may lead to the decision to hand over the report to HR, the company management, or other parts of the company.
- Any actual or suspected breaches of the law may be reported to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
In some cases, reports will not be further investigated for reasons including:
- The report doesn’t follow the guidelines established in this document.
- The report was not made in good faith.
- An investigation has already been made or is ongoing regarding the reported matter.
Note: The Whistleblower Unit will inform you of their decision if there’s a way for them to contact you, either through Winningtemp or the contact details you’ve provided.
Questions?
Please reach out to the Whistleblower Unit if you have any questions or any of the individual members:
- Andreas Hjerpe Sällquist +46 (0) 76 721 47 15
- Linn Winslott +46 (0)73-5 14 89 53
- Torbjörn Carbell +46 (0) 73 682 18 25