WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY
POLICY
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (Hillel) has adopted the Code of Conduct (“Code”) contained herein that requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their Hillel duties and responsibilities. It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees to report violations or suspected violations of the Code in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy. No director, officer or employee, who in good faith, reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence.
Code of Conduct
The directors, officers and employees of Hillel are expected to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct. Although it is impossible to describe all conduct that is to be addressed, this policy specifically requires the following:
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Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships, including, but not limited to those disclosable under Hillel’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
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Full, fair, accurate, and timely disclosure of relevant facts in all reports and documents dealing with matters of program services, governance and business administration.
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Compliance with all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.
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Prompt internal reporting of Code violations to an appropriate person or persons within the organization.
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Personal accountability for adherence to the Code.
Reporting Violations
Employees who suspect that the Code of Conduct has been violated shall report their concerns in writing to someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee's supervisor is the best position to address an area of concern. Where the reporter is not comfortable speaking with a supervisor or is not satisfied with a supervisor's response, he/she shall speak with an Executive Campus Liaison in the Campus Operations Department, the Head of Campus Operations, or the Head of the Human Resources Department. Directors, supervisors and managers shall report suspected violations to the Compliance Officer (chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors) directly.
Hillel International’s Chief Talent Officer or Chief Campus Officer are both available to receive whistleblower calls from both employees and trustees. Contact information is phone 202-449-6526 and email: jchestnut@hillel.org.
Compliance Officer
The Compliance Officer (chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors) is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning suspected violations of the Code. The Compliance Officer shall advise the Chair of the Board of Directors, the President and/or the Audit Committee when, in his/her discretion, the complaint entails a significant risk to Hillel. The Compliance Officer shall report to the Audit Committee at least annually on compliance activity. In the event that a reported concern or complaint involves corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing, the Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the Audit Committee of the complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone who files a complaint concerning a suspected violation of the Code must have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed is true and correct. Unsubstantiated allegations that prove to have been made maliciously or without factual basis will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
Confidentiality
Reports may be submitted on a confidential basis or anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Compliance Officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
No Retaliation
No director, officer or employee who, in good faith reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence as a result of such report.
POLICY ADOPTION
The above Whistle Blower Policy was approved at the Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Life Board of Directors meeting held in Austin, Texas on April, 27th 2009
The policy was adapted for Hillel at Binghamton effective May 20, 2014.