WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION POLICY

Federal law prohibits all corporations, including nonprofits, from retaliating against employees who “blow the whistle” on their employer’s accounting practices and financial management (retrieved, 2019: https://www.whistleblowers.gov/).

RAICES requires directors, officers, and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of RAICES, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

DEFINITION

A whistleblower as defined by this policy is an employee of RAICES who reports an activity that they consider to be illegal or dishonest to one or more of the parties specified in this Policy. 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.

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. RAICES will not retaliate against a whistleblower. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse employment action such as termination, compensation decreases, or poor work assignments and threats of physical harm. Any whistleblower who believes they are being retaliated against must contact the Chief Human Resources Officer immediately. The right of a whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY

This Whistleblower Protection Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that RAICES can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees, and volunteers to report concerns about violations or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern RAICES’ operations.