Whistleblower Policy: Reporting Suspected Violations of Law and Policy
The Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County 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 the Coalition, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
a. Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.
b. No Retaliation
No director, officer or employee who in good faith reports a violation 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 the Coalition prior to seeking resolution outside the Coalition.
c. Reporting Violations
The Coalition’s open door policy suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most cases, an employee’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, if you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Chief Operating Officer or anyone in management whom you are comfortable in approaching. Supervisors and managers are required to report suspected violations to the Executive Director, who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations. For suspected fraud, or when you are not satisfied or comfortable with following the Coalition’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Executive Director. When this reporting policy is inappropriate for a particular situation, the Coalition Board Chair can be contacted directly. The contact information for the Board Chair is distributed to all staff and also posted on the Coalition website.
d. Compliance Officer
The Executive Director acts as the Compliance Officer and is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations at his/her discretion and shall advise the Finance Committee. The Executive Director has direct access to the Finance Committee of the board of directors and is required to report to the Finance Committee at least annually on compliance activity.
e. Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Finance Committee of the board of directors shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing. The Coalition Chief Financial Officer shall immediately notify the Finance Committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
f. Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.
g. Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. h. Handling of
Reported Violations. The Executive Director 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.
Boynton Beach Administrative Office
Hours: 8:30am to 5pm (Monday-Thursday)
8:30am to 12pm, calls until 5pm (Friday)
2300 High Ridge Road, Suite 115
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426
Palm Springs Office
Hours: 8am to 5:30pm (Monday-Thursday),
8am to 12pm for calls only (Friday)
1630 South Congress Avenue, Suite 300
Palm Springs, Florida 33461
Riviera Beach/Port Center Office
Hours: 8am to 5:30pm (Monday-Thursday)
2051 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Suite 300
Riviera Beach, Florida 33404
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If you require Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations to participate in any ELCPBC event or activity, please notify Christie Young, Single Point of Contact, by phone at 561-214-7424 or by email at christie.young@elcpalmbeach.org within at least seven (7) days of the event. Accommodation will be provided at no extra charge.