Whistleblower Policy

BridgeNorth requires all Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. This policy is created to encourage Board members, employees and volunteers, participants, and or other partner organizations, to report suspected or actual occurrence of illegal, unethical, or inappropriate actions without retaliation.

All employees and representatives of BridgeNorth must practice honesty and integrity in performing their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of all employees to comply with and report violations or suspected violations of policies, laws or regulations, in accordance with this policy.

No director, employee or volunteer, participant of BridgeNorth programs or services, or partner organizations, who in good faith, reports a violation or suspected violation, shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequences. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

A Whistleblower who makes a report that is not done in good faith is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken, if warranted.

Procedure

• The Whistleblower should first report the suspected or actual event to his/her Supervisor. This report must be done promptly.
• If the Whistleblower is uncomfortable or reluctant to report to his/her Supervisor, then the Whistleblower should report the event to the next level or another level of management, up to the President.
• If the President is suspected of inappropriate behaviour, the concern should be taken to the Chair of the Board.
• Whistleblower reports may also be made anonymously by completing the online form.
• Supervisors, Managers and/or Board members who receive a report must promptly act to investigate and/or resolve the issue within 48-72 hours.
• The Whistleblower shall receive a report within five business days of the initial report, regarding the investigation, disposition or resolution of the issue.
• Crimes against a person or property, such as assault, rape, burglary, etc., should immediately be reported to local law enforcement authorities.