Whistleblower Policy
A whistleblower as defined by this policy is an employee of Orangutan Outreach ("OO") who reports an activity that the employee considers 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.
If an employee has knowledge of or a concern of illegal or dishonest fraudulent activity, the employee is to contact his/her immediate supervisor. The employee must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseless allegations. An employee who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.
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. OO 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 their supervisor immediately. The right of a whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated.
Retaliation against any employee as a result of their bringing forward any questions, concerns or complaints about accounting or auditing matters, recording of information, record retention, or in any other manner concerning the honesty and integrity of OO’s operation is also strictly prohibited. By reporting these types of incidents to OO, employees are assisting OO to prevent and correct behavior that is inappropriate for the workplace.
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees of OO to comply with this Whistleblower Policy. No director, officer or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Standards of Conduct or Business Ethics shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within OO prior to seeking resolution outside OO.
All reports of illegal and dishonest activities should be promptly submitted in writing to the Executive Director and Board of Directors for investigation so that, if deemed necessary, corrective action may be taken.