Procedures.
If any person knows of or has a suspicion about misconduct, dishonesty or fraud relating to Blessings International, he/she should contact the Executive Director. If the alleged wrongdoing concerns the Executive Director, then he/she should notify the vice-president of the Blessings Board of Directors who will investigate all credible allegations.
At all times, the privacy and reputation of individuals involved will be respected. If the person providing the information requests anonymity, this request will be respected to the extent that doing so does not impede any investigation.
The complainant will receive a follow-up report on their concern within two weeks. It will acknowledge that the concern was received, indicate how the matter will be dealt with and whether or not further investigations will follow.
Protection.
Whistle-blowers risk their careers by reporting suspected illegal activities in an organization. No form of punishment, including firing, demotion, suspension, harassment, failure to consider the employee for promotion, or any other kind of discrimination, is allowed.
Punishing a whistle-blower in any way is a criminal offense. Even when an employee’s claims are unfounded, the nonprofit may not reprimand him. To receive whistle-blower protection, an employee does not have to demonstrate misconduct; a reasonable belief or suspicion that violation of a federal law exists is sufficient.
