Policy: Whistleblower

Board Approval:

______

Definition

A whistleblower as defined by this policy is an employee of name of ministry or any of its affiliate organizations who reports an activity that he/she considers to be illegal or dishonest. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities.

Examples of illegal or dishonest activities are violations of federal, state or local laws; billing for services not performed or for goods not delivered; and other fraudulent financial reporting.

Policy

The Organization recognizes a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal or dishonest activities. This policy covers all Organization employees.

Whistleblower protections are provided in two important areas – confidentiality and against retaliation. Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained. However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, to comply with the law and to provide accused individuals their legal rights of defense.

Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to report concerns they have or information provided to them about illegal or dishonest activity. If an employee has knowledge of or a concern of illegal or dishonest activity, the employee is to contact any of the following:

Insert name, title, contact information of Executive Director and Board Chair

All reports will be taken seriously and will be investigated by the appropriate staff and/or the Organization’s legal counsel. If deemed necessary, the Organization will notify and fully cooperate with the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Employees with any questions regarding this policy should contact the Executive Director or the Board Chair. Retaliation

This Corporation will not retaliate against a whistleblower. Any whistleblower that believes he/she is being retaliated against must contact the Executive Director or Board Chair immediately. The right of a whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.

If an employee is determined to have acted maliciously or with deceit, the employee will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination.