Whistleblower & Non-Retaliation Policy
400 Human Resources
Policy Reference:
Policy Name:
Original Effective Date:
Revised Effective Date:
HR-404-8
Whistleblower & Non-Retaliation Policy
10/13/2017
01/01/2021
404-8.1 Policy Statement
Alfalit requires all officers, board members, staff, volunteers, interns, and consultants to practice honesty and integrity in all related activities. The organization encourages and enables all to raise concerns without fear of retaliation within Alfalit before seeking outside resolution.
404-8.2 Policy Detail
a. It is the responsibility of all to comply with and report actual or suspected violations of laws and regulations.
b. Whistleblowing is conducted in good faith.
c. There is no retaliation permitted against any whistleblower.
404-8.3 Procedures
a. When an officer, board member, staff, volunteer, intern, or consultant observes or becomes aware of the actions of another officer, board member, staff, volunteer, intern, or consultant that is deemed questionable and a possible violation of laws or regulations, the individual must report this.
b. Questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints should be raised with someone who can address the issue properly. In most cases, board members should report their concerns to an officer. However, if they are not comfortable doing so, they should discuss with the Executive director to determine how to move forward.
c. Staff, volunteers, interns, and consultants should discuss the issue with their supervisor. If they are not comfortable doing so, they should discuss with the Executive director to determine how to move forward. If uncomfortable speaking to the ed, then they should approach an officer of the board.
d. The Treasurer shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding Alfalit’s accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing.
e. Questionable staff conduct should be discussed with the executive director. However, if the executive director’s actions are in question, the board chair should be approached.
f. If all avenues are exhausted, the person concerned should use their judgment and determine if outside authorities need to be alerted.
404-8.4 No Retaliation
a. Any officer, board member, staff, volunteer, intern, or consultant who in good faith reports a violation will not be subject to harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment consequence.
b. Any officer, board member, staff, volunteer, intern, or consultant who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
404-8.5 Acting in Good Faith
a. Any good faith report, concern, or complaint is fully protected by this policy, even if the report, question or concern, is, after investigation, not substantiated.
b. Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a true violation.
c. Any unfounded allegations that prove to have been made recklessly, maliciously, or with the foreknowledge that the allegations were false will be viewed as a serious offense subject to disciplinary or legal action.
404-8.6 Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. Anonymous reports may be made by telephone, e-mail, or other appropriate methods.
404-8.7 Handling of Reported Violations
a. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
b. The complainant will be informed that follow-up occurs within two weeks after the official or officer has received the complaint or report.
c. Investigative procedures will depend on the nature of the reported violation.
d. Executive committee members shall be informed of all such complaints or reports, minus anyone with whom a complaint may have been filed.
404-8.8 Definitions
Whistleblower: Someone who reports waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, or dangers to public health and safety.
404-8.9 Exhibits / Appendices / Forms /Supporting Information
None