Kyiv, 18 March 2026 — A public presentation of the “Whistleblowing Culture in Local Self-Government Bodies” analytical report has been held in Kyiv as part of the Strengthening Whistleblowing Culture at the Subnational Level as a Prerequisite for Integrity-Driven Recovery” project.

The project is being implemented by the NGO Institutional Development Foundation in cooperation with the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and with funding from the Government of Japan.

The aim of the study was to assess the current state of whistleblowing culture in local self-government bodies, analyse how well the existing corruption reporting mechanisms function, and identify the needs of communities for strengthening their capacity to develop an effective and secure whistleblowing system.

Key findings of the study:

• Around 60 percent of local self-government employees are aware of the possibility of reporting corruption through the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal, providing a foundation for the further development of the system.
• Only around 2 percent of respondents have practical experience of reporting corruption, indicating there are low levels of actual engagement with whistleblowing channels.
• Some 41 percent of communities have approved anti-corruption programmes, demonstrating there has been gradual progress towards a more systematic approach to integrity.
• Only 17.5 percent of territorial communities are connected to the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal, which limits the effective use of secure reporting channels.

In addition, the study made it possible, for the first time, to develop a generalised profile of a potential whistleblower in local self-government bodies. This will improve understanding of the motivations and needs of community employees, as well as the barriers that prevent them from reporting corruption.

Based on the report’s findings, a set of recommendations has been developed to address institutional and organisational gaps in the functioning of whistleblowing systems at the local level. These recommendations are being put forward to the NACP, which is the body responsible for shaping and implementing state anti-corruption policy, as well as to local self-government bodies themselves. The recommendations focus on ensuring that the key elements of a whistleblowing system are in place — a designated responsible person, a secure internal reporting channel, up-to-date internal procedures, and systematic communications with employees.

Team Leader for Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric Portfolio at UNDP in Ukraine Olena Ursu emphasised the importance of the research:

“For UNDP in Ukraine, supporting this type of research is extremely important, as it shows how reporting mechanisms function in communities, where the gaps exist, and what barriers prevent employees from effectively using whistleblowing systems,” Ursu said. 

“Understanding these processes allows us to develop practical tools — internal policies and clear reporting procedures — that contribute to transparent, accountable, and safe local governance.”

"We’re grateful to the Government of Japan for its financial support of this initiative, which helps strengthen a culture of integrity in communities and brings Ukraine closer to European standards of transparent governance.”

Serhii Hupiak, Deputy Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, highlighted the importance of systemic state support:

“The development of a whistleblowing culture at the local level is a key element of an effective anti-corruption policy,” he said. “Today, despite the availability of tools, their practical use remains low. That is why it is important not only to ensure there are technical opportunities for reporting corruption, but also to build trust in these mechanisms, guarantee the protection of whistleblowers, and provide consistent support from the state.”

“The findings of this study help us better understand the challenges at the community level and strengthen policies that make whistleblowing systems effective and safe for everyone.”

Oksana Bronevytska, Project Manager and Chair of the Board of the NGO Institutional Development Foundation, emphasised the importance of a systematic approach to developing the whistleblowing institution:

“A whistleblowing culture requires a systematic approach — from research and structured training to the implementation of practical anti-corruption tools that can function effectively in every community,” Bronevytska said. “This makes it possible to build a system that enhances transparency and accountability at the local level.”

"We’re grateful to our partners for their support and cooperation. We’re convinced that collaboration between communities, civil society, public authorities, and international partners is key to fostering a culture of integrity and strengthening institutional capacity in local self-government bodies.”

Media enquiries:
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org