Handling Internal Investigations & Data Privacy in Switzerland
A specialist course for managers and compliance teams covering the legal framework, procedural obligations, and data privacy requirements governing internal investigations and whistleblowing in Switzerland, with reference to the Swiss Code of Obligations and the revised Federal Act on Data Protection.
This course is designed for managers and compliance professionals operating within Swiss organisations who are responsible for receiving, assessing, and managing reports of suspected misconduct. It forms the second course in a two-course set for Switzerland, building on the foundational awareness content delivered to all staff and focusing instead on the procedural, legal, and governance responsibilities that fall to those who lead or oversee internal investigations.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of Switzerland's legal landscape as it applies to whistleblowing and internal investigations, including relevant provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), the revised Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP, in force since 1 September 2023), and the role of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC). The course addresses how to conduct fair, confidential, and legally compliant investigations while safeguarding the rights of both reporters and subjects.
By the end of this course, managers and compliance teams will be equipped to establish and maintain effective speak-up channels, apply appropriate investigative techniques, protect personal data throughout the investigation lifecycle, and respond appropriately to findings — all in a manner consistent with Swiss law, international best practice, and the organisation's duty of care to its people.
Course content
1. The Swiss Legal Framework for Whistleblowing and Internal Investigations
- Whistleblowing and Employment Law Under the Swiss Code of Obligations
- The Revised Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP) and Its Application to Investigations
2. Establishing and Operating an Effective Internal Reporting Channel
- Designing a Compliant and Effective Speak-Up Channel
- Triage and Initial Assessment of a Report
3. Conducting a Fair and Legally Compliant Internal Investigation
- Investigation Planning, Roles, and Procedural Fairness
- Gathering Evidence and Conducting Interviews
4. Data Privacy Obligations Throughout the Investigation Lifecycle
- Managing Personal Data from Report to Closure
- Rights of Data Subjects in the Investigation Context
5. Investigation Findings, Outcomes, and Systemic Improvement
- Reporting Findings and Implementing Outcomes
- Learning from Investigations and Strengthening the Compliance Programme
6. Manager Responsibilities and Practical Scenarios
- The Manager's Role: Obligations, Responses, and Common Pitfalls
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 12 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $1,245.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.