ICFJ Whistle-blower Policy

The International Center for Journalists requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of employees’ duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. 

Reporting Responsibilities 

A whistleblower, as defined by this policy, is an employee of the International Center For journalists who reports an activity that the employee considers to be illegal or dishonest to one or more of the parties specified in this Policy. 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. 

The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities.  

If an employee has knowledge of or a concern of illegal or dishonest fraudulent activity, the employee is to contact their immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Director who will immediately report the matter to the President. The President has the responsibility to launch investigations into all reported complaints. 

The President 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. 

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. If the President fails to respond adequately, the employee should contact the designated board member. That person, as of January 2018, is Chair of the Audit Committee, Wendell Reilly (wendell.reilly@gmail.com) 

No Retaliation 

It is contrary to the values of ICFJ for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law. 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. 

Accounting and Auditing Matters 

The Organization’s President is responsible for launching an investigation and resolving reported complaints and allegations concerning violations. It is the President’s discretion to advise the Chair of the Audit Committee depending on the severity of the violation. The Audit Committee Chair shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing. ICFJ will provide an annual report to the board if there are any violations. 
 

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. 
 

Handling of Reported Violations 

The President 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.