Erikshjälpen's fundraising policy governs all fundraising within Erikshjälpen and must be applied to all types of fundraising. Approved by Erikshjälpen's board 2024-11-29.
1. Introduction and purpose
At Erikshjälpen, we boldly raise money to continue our work for a changed world where children's dreams come true. We realize children's rights through interventions for education and leisure, health and safety and protection, as well as humanitarian interventions. We want to give children and young people around the world the help and opportunity to dare to dream about the future. We believe in children and want to give them the conditions for a better life and a more secure future.
According to Erikshjälpen's values, we want to work in "Erik's spirit". This means that we take the responsibility of managing donors' gifts and trust very seriously. Erikshjälpen's fundraising work is aimed at private individuals, Corporate, parishes and associations. We regard every gift as an expression of personal commitment. This has been the case since the days of Erik Nilsson.
Erikshjälpen's activities are funded by private fundraising, institutional contributions and surplus from our Second Hand shops. This policy clarifies for our donors the principles that apply to fundraising activities, how Erikshjälpen raises money and how we handle gifts. The fundraising policy also provides guidance and direction to Erikshjälpen's employees, volunteers and others who participate in our fundraising work.
Erikshjälpen's fundraising policy governs all fundraising within Erikshjälpen. However, gifts in the form of used goods to Erikshjälpen Second Hand are not covered by this policy.
2. Definition of funds raised
Gifts from the public/privateprivate individuals, organisations, Corporate, communities, private and non-profit funds and foundations, testamentary gifts and the value of donated assets are counted as funds raised. A gift to Erikshjälpen must always be voluntary.
Contributions in the form of money from Corporate can be legally defined as either a gift or sponsorship. Corporate partnerships, where the contribution from the company is to be met by some type of counter-performance from Erikshjälpen, are considered sponsorship and are designed in dialog, after which we write an agreement that clarifies the scope and division of responsibilities.
3. transparency and accountability
Information and reporting back
We see our various aid and development projects as a partnership with our donors. As part of strengthening this partnership, we provide regular feedback with examples of how funds raised have been used.
We've got it covered! Safe and controlled fundraising
Erikshjälpen's fundraising towards the public, and the handling of donations, always takes place via a 90 account that is controlled by Swedish Fundraising Control. This means that the collection is checked annually to ensure that we do not have unreasonable collection and administration costs. At least 75 percent of the total income must go to the purpose. Erikshjälpen is also a member of Giva Sverige, the professional association for fundraising in Sweden, and applies their quality code. The purpose of the code is to promote transparency, professionalism and increased trust.
In Erikshjälpen's annual report, which is available at erikshjalpen.se, we report funds raised, costs, funds distributed and the results and effects of our interventions.
Erikshjälpen follows current legislation when handling personal data. Detailed regulations can be found in our Privacy Policy (personal data policy).
4. Approach to donors
We respect our donors!
Erikshjälpen's fundraising work is completely dependent on committed donors who want to join us in the work for children's rights and future. We do not just want to collect as much money or as large gifts as possible. For us, the small gift is as important as the big one.
In Erikshjälpen's fundraising work, it is central to respect the donor's wishes. This means that:
- If a donor does not wish to be called, receive a fundraising letter or our magazine, we respect this and note it in our register.
- If a donor wishes to remain anonymous, this should be respected. The donor's name should never be published
without the donor's consent. Erikshjälpen does not pass on the donor's name to another
organization or Corporate, unless this is required to conduct information and
fundraising work (e.g. printers). - The donor must be able to find out the names and contact details of people in
Erikshjälpen's management. - The donor has the right to know if the person requesting a contribution to Erikshjälpen is a volunteer
an employee or an external consultant - The donor should be able to expect a correct and professional treatment from
Erikshjälpen's representatives and should never be subjected to pressure. - The donor should be able to ask questions to Erikshjälpen at any time and expect a quick
and reliable answer. Any complaint can be submitted directly to an employee at Erikshjälpen
or submitted via a form on erikshjalpen.se, where it is also possible to be
anonymous. complaint are always treated with respect and kindness, followed up carefully, and lead to
relevant measures.
What can a donor be involved in deciding?
Erikshjälpen strives to ensure that most of the funds raised are not earmarked. This means that we can use the funds where they are most needed and do the most good. If it is of great importance to the donor to direct the gift to a special purpose within the framework of Erikshjälpen's projects, this can be done in consultation with donor service.
The donor has the right to receive information about what the funds raised are used for. In fundraising campaigns and disasters, the donor must be able to easily find out what purpose the funds raised are for and, for example, which organisations Erikshjälpen chooses to cooperate with on site in the crisis-affected area.
If, for some reason, targeted gifts cannot be used for what the donor wanted, the donor must be contacted and offered the opportunity to direct the gift to another purpose. If Erikshjälpen wants to change the area of use, the donor must first be contacted.
When do we pay back?
If a donor wishes to have a gift returned and contacts Erikshjälpen within a reasonable time, we will, as far as possible, accommodate this request and pay back the gift. If Erikshjälpen discovers that an incorrect gift has been received or that a gift has been paid twice by mistake, this must be rectified and refunded to the donor as soon as possible.
We say thank you!
We want to show our gratitude for the gifts we receive. We aim to ensure that all new donors receive a personalized thank you and information on how the money is used.
Can young people be involved? (Minors in fundraising)
Erikshjälpen wants to make it easier for young people to get involved. With our founder Erik Nilsson as a role model and example, we know that children and young people can change the world.
We are present in many contexts where young people, including those under 18, move and participate (festivals, concerts, etc.). People under 18 who want to become donors are welcome to join, but only after the consent of the guardian and/or the signature of an agreement.
We also want to encourage the involvement of children and young people and their fundraising initiatives. This may involve, for example, school classes, groups of children in parishes, sports clubs and others who want to organize fundraising events. We encourage and welcome these initiatives, but always with the approval and involvement of teachers, parents and/or other responsible adults.
We do not target minors in direct marketing activities, such as mailings or targeted campaigns.
5. Ethics and professionalism
Are there gifts we cannot receive?
Our basic rule is that everyone who wants to can donate money to Erikshjälpen. Erikshjälpen can sometimes still choose to decline a donated gift if the donor wants to condition the gift in a way that we cannot accept or live up to. Erikshjälpen can also choose to decline a gift if the donor's values or activities are in conflict with the organization's values and if the origin of the gift is contrary to Erikshjälpen's Guideline for sustainable cooperation. Erikshjälpen can also decline a gift if it is associated with conditions that we cannot fulfill or if the costs of the gift are not in reasonable proportion to the gift itself. Other reasons for refusal may be that the gift has undesirable consequences or if it consists of goods, services, buildings, etc. that Erikshjälpen cannot use or dispose of.
The Guideline on Sustainable Cooperation providesdetailed information.
Gifts in the form of Securities or real estate
If the gift/will is received in the form of Shares, these may be retained for a shorter or longer period unless this is clearly contrary to the donor's wishes as expressed in the deed of gift or will.
Holding Shares in Corporate whose main business is in the alcohol, tobacco, pornography or arms industries is not in line with our policy. If such Shares are received as a gift/will, a responsible liquidation must take place within a maximum of one year unless there are exceptional reasons. Erikshjälpen's Investment Policy containsdetailed information regarding shareholdings.
Gifts in the form of real estate are sold as soon as possible and the amount received is used in accordance with the donor's wishes. However, exceptions can be made if continued ownership of the property in some form can contribute to the realization of Erikshjälpen's purpose, or if the donor in his deed of gift or will expressed a specific wish.
Bequeathed gifts
When Erikshjälpen receives a will, we make a careful accountability that the bequeathed funds can be used according to the testator's last will. If it turns out that the will is written in such a way that we cannot fulfill the testator's wishes, we contact the estate to discuss the design and whether the gift can be used for similar activities. If this is not possible, we will decline the gift out of respect for the donor's last wishes.
Wills that benefit Erikshjälpen where another party raises a complaint, we handle with the help of legal expertise, with the aim of fully respecting the deceased's will.
This is an easy-to-read version of Erikshjälpen's Child Safety and Protection Policy. In order for everyone to feel safe and secure at Erikshjälpen, there is a policy for children's safety and protection. At Erikshjälpen, everyone should be treated fairly and with respect.
All the work Erikshjälpen does is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - also known as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This means that all children and young people have the same rights and are equally valuable. Children and young people are defined as people under the age of 18.
The policy was adopted by Erikshjälpen's board 2022-02-03. Minor adjustment approved by Erikshjälpen and Erikshjälpen Second Hand's management groups 2023-01-31.
1. How should this policy be used?
Everyone who works at Erikshjälpen must promise to follow this policy, after they have read, understood and signed it.
Children and their guardians shall be informed of this policy and how they can report if they believe or have seen that a child is abused in any of Erikshjälpen's activities.
All Erikshjälpen employees who work directly with children receive training in child safety and protection and are checked for previous criminal convictions.
2. everyone working at Erikshjälpen must ensure that children and young people are protected by:
Always
- create a safe and secure environment where children can develop and thrive
- listen to children and consider them and their best interests in everything that affects them. All children have the right to be heard
- respect children's right to their own beliefs
- ask permission before taking pictures, filming or sharing pictures, names or other personal data of participants in Erikshjälpen's activities. For children under the age of 16, approval is also needed from their guardians
- be at least two adults when working directly with children and young people, unless otherwise informed by their manager
- ensure that people visiting or participating in Erikshjälpen activities comply with this policy.
Never
- teasing, threatening, hitting or otherwise making a child feel bad
- force a child to take part in spiritual or religious activities against their will
- contacting children for sexual purposes, either in real life or online
- touching, talking or interacting with children in ways that may be perceived as inappropriate
- photograph, film, download or share sexual images of children
How do I report if I suspect a child is being abused?
If you see or believe that a participant in one of Erikshjälpen's activities has been injured, you should always report it as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the incident.
Tell the nearest manager in the organization or use our website for complaint and Whistle blowing - erikshjalpen.se/complaints-and-whistle-blowing. If it is the manager who is suspected, talk to their manager or another senior manager instead.
If someone violates Erikshjälpen's policy for child safety and protection, it can lead to them no longer being able to work for Erikshjälpen. Serious crimes against children can lead to a police report.
Children's right to safety and protection
Erikshjälpen works for all children's right to safety and protection, to influence and change the fact that many children in the world are suffering. Our goal is that all children should be able to live a life in safety.
Read more about how we work on safety and security
Policy for feedback, complaint and Whistle blowing describes how feedback, complaint and whistle blowing alarms can be reported within Erikshjälpen and how reported cases are handled. Approved by Erikshjälpen's board 2025-05-22.
The policy applies to all of Erikshjälpen, i.e. the second-hand business and the children's rights organization in both Sweden and internationally. The policy is also available in English and is called Policy for Feedback, Complaints and Whistleblowing.
Contents
- Introduction and purpose
- feedback
- Complaints
- Whistle blowing
- complaint and Whistle blowing regarding partner organizations
- Can I report anonymously?
- Principles for handling cases
- Procedure for complaint and whistleblowing alerts
- Appeal against the handling of a case
- External reporting of whistleblowing alerts
1. Introduction and purpose
This policy describes how feedback, complaint and whistleblower alarms can be reported within Erikshjälpen and how reported cases are handled. It applies to the whole of Erikshjälpen, i.e. the Second Hand activities and the children's rights organization in Sweden as well as internationally. feedback can be positive or negative, complaint point to shortcomings in our activities while Whistle blowing warns of serious abuses. Chapters 2-4 describe these in more detail.
Erikshjälpen works to ensure that children's rights are respected, protected and fulfilled in Sweden and around the world. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, all forms of abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. We strive to be transparent and accountable in the management of the gifts we receive and work preventively on anti-corruption. Our approach is described in our Child Safety and Protection Policy, our Code of Conduct and our Anti-Corruption Policy, among others.
Erikshjälpen encourages the reporting of both suggestions for improvement and grievances in order to improve quality and address any shortcomings in our operations both in Sweden and in our other program countries. The purpose of this policy is to create a safe and open environment where transparent procedures ensure that all feedback, complaint and whistleblowing alarms are treated seriously, fairly and confidentially and with respect for the individuals involved.
Whistle blowing is based on the rights and obligations stipulated in the Act (2021:890) on the protection of persons reporting wrongdoing (the "Whistleblowing Act"). The Act is based on the EU Whistleblowing Directive. When a whistleblowing case arises outside the EU, the specific legal requirements of that country will also be taken into account.
2. feedback
2.1 What counts as feedback?
feedback can concern anything within Erikshjälpen's activities, both positive and negative. For example, it can be praise, feedback or suggestions for improvement.
2.2 Who can provide feedback?
Anyone who in any way comes into contact with Erikshjälpen or Erikshjälpen Second Hand can submit feedback, including participants and guardians that we meet in our program initiatives.
2.3 How to submit feedback?
feedback is given directly to the business concerned. Contact details are available on our website.
2.4 Who handles feedback?
feedback is handled in the first instance within the relevant activity. If necessary, senior managers can be involved. When deemed relevant, the comment can be handled as a complaint, see below.
3. complaint
3.1 What counts as a complaint?
A complaint is intended to draw our attention to shortcomings in our operations and those of our partners. It may concern deviations from, or suspected deviations from, agreements, guidelines and policies.
A complaint may, for example, concern unethical behavior in one of our businesses or among our partners, but it is not considered to fall within the scope of Whistle blowing, i.e. it is not of such a nature that the public has an interest in it being discovered and stopped (see further what applies to Whistle blowing in section 4 below).
Incidents concerning an individual employee's work environment are instead reported as an incident or an occupational injury via the intranet or directly to the immediate manager.
Opinions about in-store products are instead handled as feedback and given directly to the store in question.
3.2 Who can lodge a complaint?
Anyone who in any way comes into contact with Erikshjälpen or Erikshjälpen Second Hand can submit a complaint. For example, it can be employees, volunteers, trainees, partners and their employees, donors and customers. It can also be participants and guardians that we meet in our interventions.
3.3 How to report a complaint?
complaint are reported via forms on Erikshjälpen's website. In order for us to be able to act on incoming complaint , it is desirable to state which business or store the case concerns. It is also possible to report a complaint to complaints@erikshjalpen.se or directly to a manager or employee at Erikshjälpen or Erikshjälpen Second Hand. The person receiving the complaint can then enter the information in the form.
We also ensure that in our interventions we have easily accessible ways for participants and guardians to lodge complaint and that our international partner organisations have their own policies and systems for complaint handling. Reporting channels should be easily accessible and adapted to the local context and rights holder in our work.
If a partner organization within our international program activities receives a complaint , the regional office can support the partner if possible. The complaint will then be reported through Erikshjälpen's complaint form.
Reporting of deviations from our child safety and protection policy should be done promptly, if possible within 24 hours. Internationally, reporting is done as defined in the partner agreement.
3.4 Who receives the complaint reported?
Reported complaint are sent to the relevant quality control group, based on which activity the case concerns. There are quality control groups for different parts of the business, including second hand, program activities in Sweden, program activities internationally and Erikshjälpen in general. The groups consist of operational managers and in some cases controllers and/or coordinators. If necessary, other functions can be involved, e.g. child protection officer, safety officer, financial manager or HR manager. If the case concerns someone in the quality control group, the next higher manager is involved, or the relevant board or external party.
4. Whistle blowing
The Act (2021:890) on the protection of persons reporting wrongdoing (the "Whistleblowers Act") describes the rights and obligations of whistleblowers. The Act is based on the EU Whistleblower Directive. Whistleblowers must not be prevented from reporting wrongdoing and must be protected from retaliation. Below is a description of how Erikshjälpen and Erikshjälpen Second Hand handle whistleblower alarms. Erikshjälpen's HR department can provide more details on the whistleblower law if needed.
4.1 What counts as Whistle blowing?
Whistle blowing is used to draw an organization's attention to serious wrongdoing that is of such a nature that the public has an interest in its detection and stopping.
The whistleblowing should concern wrongdoings that have occurred or are highly likely to occur in the activity in which the whistleblower is/has been/may become active or in another activity with which the whistleblower is or has been in contact through his/her work.
The whistleblower must have had reasonable grounds to believe that the information about the misconduct was true at the time of reporting in order to be covered by whistleblower protection.
For example, whistleblower alarms can be messy:
- Unethical conduct; for example, breaches of our Code of Conduct
- Corruption and financial irregularities; for example, bribery, unfair competition, money laundering and fraud
- Crimes related to health and safety; for example, health and safety crimes
- Environmental crime; for example, illegal handling of hazardous waste
- Privacy breaches; for example, misuse of personal data
Deviations linked to the above categories but which are not deemed to be so serious that the public has an interest in them being discovered and stopped can instead be reported as complaint (see section 3 above). Information that only concerns an individual employee's own working or employment relationship is not normally covered by the Whistleblowing Act but should instead be raised with the immediate manager or HR or the union.
4.2 Who can blow the whistle?
A whistleblower is protected by the Whistleblowing Act if he or she, in a work-related context, has become aware of or obtained information about wrongdoing and reports it. The whistleblower must also belong to one of the following categories of persons:
- workers (including agency staff and staff of contractors/suppliers/partners)
- job seekers
- self-employed
- persons who are members of the management or supervisory body of an organization
- trainees
- volunteers
Persons who belonged to one of the listed categories of persons and then received the information are also covered by whistleblowing protection.
In addition to the whistleblower, persons who assist the whistleblower in reporting, persons associated with the reporting person, and legal persons that the reporting person owns, works for or otherwise has a work-related connection to are also protected.
4.3 How to report a whistleblowing alert?
There are four reporting channels for whistleblower alarms internally within Erikshjälpen/ErikshjälpenErikshjälpen Second Hand:
- Via form on erikshjälpen.se
- Via email to visselblasning@erikshjalpen.se or to the responsible report recipient
- By telephone to the responsible report recipient
- Via personal meeting with the responsible report recipient if requested by email or phone
Forms and contact details for the responsible report recipients are available at erikshjalpen.se
Whistle blowing forms guarantee anonymity if the whistleblower does not provide any personal data in the form.
Regardless of the channel you choose, your report should include the following information:
- Your connection to Erikshjälpen. If your case concerns a specific store, it is desirable that you indicate which store it concerns.
- Describe the misconduct you want to report.
- When did the abuse take place? Is it still going on?
- Who or what people are involved?
- Is there any documentation or other evidence?
- Have you taken any other measures in response to the misconduct?
- Are you available for additional questions to facilitate the investigation of the case?
- Name and contact details of the data provider (optional).
Reporting of deviations from our child safety and protection policy should be done promptly, if possible within 24 hours. In international programming, reporting is done according to what is established in the partner agreement. If a partner organization in our international program activities so wishes, the regional office can, if possible, support the reporting of whistleblower alarms to Erikshjälpen.
4.4 Who are the responsible recipients of whistleblowing reports?
Erikshjälpen's HR manager and a designated HR specialist are responsible for receiving reports of misconduct in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 5 of the Whistleblower Act and are also the ones who receive alarms via forms on erikshjalpen.se and the email address visselblasning@erikshjalpen.se.
If the HR manager or designated HR specialist is directly linked to what is being reported, reporting can also be made to the highest operational manager, Erikshjälpens Secretary-General, or to the Chairman of the Board. Contact details can be found at erikshjalpen.se.
The designated report recipients are mandated to independently and autonomously handle and investigate reports received. In order to investigate and remedy the misconduct, more people may need to be involved, access to any personal data will then be limited to what each person needs to fulfill their duties. The person handling a whistleblowing case must not unauthorizedly disclose any information that may reveal the identity of the reporting person or of any other individual involved in the case.
5. complaint and Whistle blowing regarding partner organizations
Erikshjälpen cooperates with local partner organizations to implement initiatives for children's rights. According to Erikshjälpen's intervention agreement, the partner organization undertakes to work to prevent, detect and identify any illegal or inappropriate activities or misuse of funds.
Erikshjälpen receives complaint and Whistle blowing regarding local partner organizations and their employees, but also encourages partner organizations to develop their own systems to handle this to increase accessibility and transparency in the operations. Reporting channels should be accessible and adapted to the local context and participants in the operations.
In order for participants to make a complaint , partner organizations are expected, as a minimum, to provide information on the name and contact details of the intervention leader and other leaders in the partner organization. If the partner organization has a system for handling complaint and Whistle blowing, it is expected that the system includes the interventions supported by Erikshjälpen.
6. Can I report anonymously?
When you report a complaint or a Whistle blowing via the form on our website, you can choose to remain anonymous. However, we encourage you to provide your name and contact details so that we can investigate the incident and address it properly, and so that you can receive feedback on what has been done. Even when personal data is provided, it is treated confidentially, i.e. the information is only accessible to the persons authorized to access it.
7. Principles for handling cases
We follow these principles when handling cases:
- Accessibility - Erikshjälpen has easily accessible ways for reporting abuse. This also includes complaint reporting that is adapted for children.
- Transparency - Erikshjälpen strives for openness and transparency in all parts of the organization's operations. This increases the possibility of scrutiny and that any irregularities are addressed in a safe way.
- Accountability - Erikshjälpen strives to have a clear mandate and division of responsibilities and to have structures and systems to track mistakes and deliberate errors. The people who have responsibility within the organization must be accountable for their actions.
- Confidentiality - the information in reported cases is shared only with those persons authorized to access it. Access to personal data is limited to what is necessary for each person to carry out their duties.
- Safety and protection - Erikshjälpen attaches great importance to ensuring the safety and protection of anyone who reports misconduct or anyone who has been subjected to any irregularity linked to our activities.
- Non-retaliation - those who raise complaint or whistleblowing alert should not suffer any type of retaliation, reprisal or negative consequence for their reporting.
- Objectivity - case handlers strive to handle cases professionally and to conduct investigations as objectively as possible.
- Right to appeal - Erikshjälpen offers the right to appeal when the case is not handled as expected.
8 Procedure for complaint and whistleblowing alerts
The procedure followed for incoming cases is described below. The principles set out in section 7 are followed at all stages.
8.1 Reception
The cases reported via the forms enter directly into a case management system, and are assigned a category for the specific case type. The case is given a reference number. Only authorized persons have access to the specific categories. If the case is communicated orally, the reporter and the recipient can fill in the form together.
This applies specifically to Whistle blowing:
In the case of an oral whistleblowing alert, the recipient must document the report. This can be done through a recording if the reporter agrees to it, or alternatively by drawing up a protocol. The reporting person must be given the opportunity to check, correct and approve by signature an established protocol. A case is created in the case management system where documentation is saved.
The recipient sends an acknowledgement of receipt of the whistleblowing report within seven days of receipt, unless the reporting person has declined acknowledgement or the recipient has reason to believe that acknowledgement would reveal the identity of the person.
8.2 Investigation
The case is investigated by the designated recipients. More people can be involved when necessary, but the number involved should always be kept to a few.
Whistleblower alerts are investigated to determine their accuracy.
All whistleblowing alerts and complaint containing particularly sensitive information, such as allegations of gross misconduct, corruption, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, harassment and assault, are investigated with special discretion and protection for the victim.
If the investigation is deemed to be better handled by an external party - for example for reasons of conflict of interest, credibility or if expert knowledge is needed - such a party will be engaged.
If the case concerns a lack of compliance with our policy on child safety and protection and the involvement of children, action must always be taken promptly. If necessary, Erikshjälpen's child protection officer may participate in the investigation.
When serious cases are received, the Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen and/or the Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand are informed as soon as possible. They then make an assessment of whether the boards or part of the boards should be informed.
If the matter is considered to be so serious that there is a risk of an organizational crisis, the crisis management group is involved and management takes place according to the established crisis management plan.
8.3 Measures
The recipient will decide on what action, if any, to take in response to the findings of the investigation. If necessary, other functions will be involved in order to implement the necessary measures. Again, with due discretion and protection of personal data involved in the case.
If there is a suspicion that a child is being abused, it may be necessary to report the concern to the Social Services, see further in Child Safety and Protection, Appendix 2 - Guidelines.
If the case involves a breach of the law, this should be reported to the nearest police authority. Before reporting, the nearest supervisor or manager should be contacted.
Beneficiaries regularly follow up on the implementation of agreed measures.
8.4 Feedback
If the reporter has not chosen to remain anonymous, the recipient ensures that the reporter receives feedback regarding his or her case, preferably continuously throughout the process whenever possible.
In the case of Whistle blowing , confirmation of receipt must be made within 7 days. The measures and reasons for these must then be communicated back to the whistleblower within 3 months if they can be reached and wish to receive feedback.
Regardless of the type of case, however, our internal goal is to provide feedback as soon as possible, but within one month at the latest.
8.5 Reporting, evaluation, accountability and disposal
All cases received that, after investigation, are deemed to be of a high level of seriousness will be shared with management and the Board. Reporting is done in an anonymized format where appropriate.
Once a year, cases and actions will be compiled and reported to management and, where appropriate, the Board, also in anonymized format. In connection with the compilation, an evaluation of the process for handling incoming cases is also made and any identified improvements are implemented.
To ensure that whistleblowing alerts are handled correctly by the designated recipients, an accountability review is carried out every quarter, where Secretary-General or the Executive Director reviews all alerts received in the previous quarter and ensures that they have been handled correctly. The results of the review are reported to the Board as part of the reporting of the internal control plan.
Whistleblowing cases are deleted at the latest two years after the case is closed.
9. Appeal against the handling of a case
If the reporter is not satisfied with the handling of a case, he/she can log a new case via the same form on the website, indicate the case reference number and describe his/her dissatisfaction.
10. External reporting of whistleblowing alerts
In Sweden, the government has designated a number of competent authorities that have so-called external reporting channels on their websites that can be used if you want to blow the whistle to an external party. The different authorities receive different types of whistleblowing, see the list of their areas of responsibility here:
List of authorities with responsibility according to area of responsibility under Regulation 2021:949 - Arbetsmiljöverket (av.se)
Internationally, external reporting channels may differ. If necessary, the relevant regional office can refer to the relevant party.
Listening The 2024 Annual Report describes Erikshjälpen's interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection during the year. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2024.
Annual report 2024.pdf
In the 2023 Annual Report, you can read more about our interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2023.
Erikshjälpen Annual Report 2023
In the 2022 Annual Report, you can read more about our interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2022.
EH Annual Report 2022
The 2021 Annual Report describes Erikshjälpen's interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection during the year. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2021.
Erikshjälpen Annual Report 2021
The 2020 Annual Report describes Erikshjälpen's interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection during the year. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2020.
Erikshjälpen Annual Report 2020
The 2019 Annual Report describes Erikshjälpen's interventions children's right to education and leisure, health, safety, and protection during the year. The Annual Report contains the financial statements for 2019.
Erikshjälpen Annual Report 2019
Instructions for Erikshjälpen's nomination committees describe the rules of procedure for the appointment of board members. It is decided by the Board and revised when necessary. Revised by EH Board 2023-12-01.
Instructions for Erikshjälpens Nomination Committees
1. Introduction
A coordinated election committee work and a strategic recruitment work for our various elected positions is one of Erikshjälpen's important future issues. We need to gather our forces to identify individuals who, with competence and heart, can help carry our organization into the future.
Erikshjälpen formally consists of two legal entities, Insamlingsstiftelsen Farbror Eriks barn- och hjälpverksamhet and the non-profit organization Erikshjälpen Second Hand (ESH), each with its own board of directors - and its own nomination committee.
In total, Erikshjälpen has the possibility to have six persons on nomination committees¹: three in the Foundation's nomination committee and three in ESH's nomination committee. In addition, the Statutes give the Foundation Board the possibility to influence the composition of the ESH Nomination Committee through the right to appoint the convenor of this Committee.
Without jeopardizing the formal independence and integrity of each nomination committee, the interaction between the nomination committees will be developed in the future. ESH's nomination committee is certainly more external in nature, responding to the annual meeting of the non-profit organization, while the Foundation's nomination committee is more internal in nature. But the mission is the same: To find the individuals who want to be involved and take responsibility for Erikshjälpen's continued development.
¹ The Foundation Nomination Committee is elected at the inaugural meeting of the Foundation Board. Two of the members of the ESH Nomination Committee are elected at the annual meeting of the ESH; the third (convenor of the ESH Nomination Committee) is appointed by the Foundation Board.
2. coordination
The search for interesting names and meetings with potential board candidates is a year-round exercise. However, to facilitate coordination, the two nomination committees meet for a joint annual meeting no later than November. The chairman of each organization also participates in this meeting, in order to focus on the current situation and recruitment needs.
The convenor of the ESH Nomination Committee is also tasked with convening this joint meeting - and ensuring the development and competence of the Nomination Committees. The convenor will also promote the dialog between the two committees throughout the year. However, the final considerations and the formal handling of names and proposals are the responsibility of each nomination committee to handle with great independence.
Nomination committees should also be given the opportunity to follow the work of the board on an ongoing basis, including by reading the board's minutes and meeting with the board or the chair and chief executive. The committees are also invited to the organization's annual 'Future Day' or equivalent - to follow the challenges faced by the organization's board members.
3. the Foundation
3.1 Background
The Fundraising Foundation has for a number of years chosen to have an election committee. This is not mandatory for a foundation, but of great importance in principle for Erikshjälpen, which in various ways strives to increase its transparency. The foundation's statutes state only that the board "constitutes itself and appoints new members if necessary", and in practice the board, mainly through its chairman, has a greater influence over the nomination process than is the case in, for example, a non-profit organization.
The Rules of Procedure of the Board of Directors state that "The Board of Directors appoints the Nomination Committee with the task of preparing the election of members and the Bureau. The nomination committee shall consist of three people. It is desirable that at least one of these is a member of the Erikshjälpen Board. Members of the nomination committee are elected for a term of three years and can be re-elected for a maximum of three terms."
3.2 Role of the nomination committee
The basic task of the Nomination Committee is also stated in the Board's Rules of Procedure: "The Nomination Committee shall recruit members who provide the Board with the breadth of skills and experience required for the Board to fulfill its task in the best possible way. Erikshjälpen's Board shall have a gender balance and take advantage of the added value that arises when people of different ages and from different life backgrounds meet and interact."
The work of the nomination committee must also take into account the anchoring in Erikshjälpen's Christian values.
3.3 Procedure
Immediately after the inaugural meeting of the Foundation, where elections are held, the Nomination Committee establishes a timetabled annual plan for the coming year and introduces any new Nomination Committee members. The plan shall be communicated to the Chair of the Foundation. The plan shall include the following components:
- Model for systematic consultation with all incumbent members on thoughts on
re-election/resignation/work of the Board. - a model for mapping and evaluating the composition and skills of the board
analysis of strengths and weaknesses - and the need for renewal and continuity. - Deadline for nominations (see below)
When a group of potential candidates is on the table, a consultation with the Chair of the Foundation takes place in order to establish the order in which candidates should be contacted. When a new chairperson is to be recruited, the corresponding consultation takes place instead with the first and/or second vice-chairperson. Before a candidate is finally asked to stand for election, a conversation must be held with the Chair or Vice-Chair.
At the inaugural meeting of the Board of Directors, the Nomination Committee shall give an account of its work and present and justify its proposal. The proposal and justification must also be submitted in writing, for distribution together with the Board documents.
3.4 Nominations to the Foundation Board
The Foundation's statutes do not provide a model for this, but our desire is to make the organization available for name suggestions throughout the year. Contact details for the nomination committee should therefore be available on the website, and the nomination committee is responsible for evaluating the proposals received.
4. Erikshjälpen Second Hand
4.1 Background
Erikshjälpen Second Hand, ESH, has been a non-profit organization since its inception. It has developed from a small local association focusing on the establishment of the first second-hand shop to the national association that today embraces a work that includes more than 60 shops around Sweden. With new statutes in place, and with a concrete decision to henceforth only have legal persons² as members of the association, the association's focus today is on broadening the range of members - and increasing the members' participation and influence. This ambition makes the role of the Nomination Committee central, not least in its role as a recipient of nominations, the identification of potential board members among the representatives of member organizations and as a rapporteur at the annual meeting.
In order to strengthen integrity and independence, no board member from ESH should be on the ESH nomination committee. Nor should any employee of any part of the Erikshjälpen family. ESH's nomination committee needs to be in all respects trustworthy towards ESH's annual meeting, where our ambition is to gather more and more representatives of our member organizations.
The ESH Board of Directors prepares the election of the members of the Nomination Committee by soliciting proposals from the member organizations³.
Members of the Nomination Committee are elected for a term of three years and may be re-elected for a maximum of three terms.
4.2 Role of the nomination committee
According to its statutes, the ESH's Nomination Committee shall consist of three members and "has the task of proposing the re-election or election of Board members and auditors". Two of the members are elected at the annual meeting, the convenor is appointed by the Foundation.
The mission is to recruit members who provide the Board with the breadth of skills and experience necessary for the Board to best fulfill its mission. ESH's Board should have an even gender distribution and take advantage of the added value that arises when people of different ages and from different life backgrounds meet and work together. In the work of the nomination committee, the anchoring in Erikshjälpen's Christian values must also be taken into account.
4.3 Procedure
Immediately after the ESH annual meeting, where elections are held, the nomination committee establishes a timetabled annual plan for the coming year and introduces any new nomination committee members. The plan shall be communicated to the Chair of the ESH. The plan shall include the following components:
- Model for systematic consultation with all incumbent members on thoughts on re-election/resignation/the work of the Board.
- A model for mapping and evaluating the composition and skills of the board, analyzing strengths and weaknesses - and the need for renewal and continuity.
- Deadline for nominations (see below)
Once a group of potential candidates is on the table, a consultation with the Chairperson of the ESH takes place in order to establish the order in which candidates should be approached. Before a candidate is finally asked to stand for election, an interview is conducted with the Chairperson or his/her deputy.
At ESH's annual meeting, the nomination committee shall present a report on how its work has been conducted and present and justify its proposal. The proposal and justification must also be submitted in writing, for distribution together with the annual meeting documents.
4.4 Nominations to the ESH Board of Directors
All members of the non-profit organization Erikshjälpen Second Hand have the right to nominate to the ESH board. Contact details for the nomination committee should be easily available on the website. Spontaneous nominations and expressions of interest from individuals can of course also occur, and it is up to the nomination committee to evaluate these.
² "A local association, parish, ecumenical group or other cooperation with a social or humanitarian focus that shares Erikshjälpen's values and which, together with Erikshjälpen, Insamlingsstiftelsen Farbror Eriks barn- och hjälpverksamhet and other members, wants to work for the association's purpose can be admitted as a member." (ESH's statutes)
³ The Board of Trustees presents two names at the Annual Meeting, but all nominations must be presented at the Annual Meeting. The two members appointed by the annual meeting, and the convenor appointed by the Foundation, are elected for three years with staggered terms.
5. Terms of reference of nomination committees
Members of the Nomination Committee are entitled to travel expenses and a meeting allowance in the same way as Board members. The current amounts can be found in the document Fees and conditions for elected members of the Boards and Nomination Committees of EH and ESH.
6. responsibilities of the Secretary-General
The Secretary General is responsible for ensuring that Erikshjälp's nomination committees receive:
- A complete list of contact details of current members, including the year they took office and the current end year of their mandate.
- Regular distribution of information, activity reports and invitations to relevant training and inspiration days.
- For ESH: Administrative assistance with mailings to members during nomination periods (Special information to be sent out presenting the nomination committee and the nomination procedure).
