Berlin Free Town Library
Whistleblower Protection Policy
The Berlin Free Town Library 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 Berlin Free Town Library, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Reporting Responsibility This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that the Berlin Free Town Library can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of the Berlin Free Town Library’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the Berlin Free Town Library’s operations.
No Retaliation It is contrary to the values of the Berlin Free Town Library 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, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of the Berlin Free Town Library. 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.
Reporting Procedure The Berlin Free Town Library has an open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with the Library Director. If you are not comfortable speaking with the Director or you are not satisfied with the Director’s response, you are encouraged to submit your concerns in writing, and they will be addressed by the Berlin Free Town Library Board of Trustees. Library Directors are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the Board of Trustees
Acting in Good Faith Anyone filing a written 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. 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.
Confidentiality Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. 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 Berlin Free Town Library’s Compliance Officer* will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
*Note: If it is determined that a Compliance Officer is needed, this person should be a board member (excluding the President and Library Director) or a third party designated by the organization to receive, investigate, and respond to a complaint.