Proof of Expertise (Reporting Office)
Section 15 (2) HinSchG — qualified reporting office officers
Practitioner's note: This article is practice-oriented compliance documentation, not legal advice. We are a compliance specialist, not a law firm. For legally binding information please consult a licensed lawyer.
TL;DR
Expertise comprises legal knowledge (German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG), Anti-Discrimination Act (AGG), GDPR, German Criminal Code), procedural knowledge (investigation methods, interview techniques) and psychological competencies (trauma-sensitive communication).
What is Proof of Expertise (Reporting Office)?
Recognized training programs in 2026:
- EQS Integrity Group: 4-day certificate course
- WhistleB Academy: 2-day crash course
- BIS Federal Compliance Association: 3-day curriculum
- EthicsCheck: online course
Refreshers are recommended every 3 years and following material legislative changes.
Practical example
The head of HR becomes the reporting office officer. She completes the EQS certificate course (4 days, EUR 2,500). Refresher scheduled for 12/2027 following the HinSchG amendment.
Frequently asked questions
Recognized providers?
BIS Federal Association, EQS, WhistleB, EthicsCheck. No official accreditation — the market is self-regulated.
Mandatory refresher?
Not strictly required, but recommended every 3 years.