1. Policy Statement
Family Promise of Puget Sound (FPOPS) is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability in all our operations and services. We value the input of every individual connected to our mission, including our individuals and dedicated volunteers. This Whistleblower Policy provides a clear and secure way for individuals and volunteers to report serious concerns regarding suspected misconduct, unethical behavior, violations of FPOPS policies, or illegal activities within our organization, without fear of retaliation. We believe that fostering an environment of transparency and trust is fundamental to fulfilling our mission and maintaining the well-being of those we serve and the integrity of our volunteer programs.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all current and former individuals, as well as all current and former volunteers of Family Promise of Puget Sound. It covers serious concerns about:
* Illegal or unethical conduct by FPOPS staff, leadership, or other volunteers.
* Misuse of FPOPS funds or resources.
* Significant violations of FPOPS policies or procedures that could harm individuals, volunteers, or the organization’s reputation.
* Any activities that may pose a significant risk to the health, safety, or well-being of individuals, volunteers, or the community.
* Breaches of confidentiality or privacy.
This policy is designed for reporting concerns that go beyond typical program complaints or interpersonal disagreements, which are best addressed through our Grievance Policy.
3. Guiding Principles
* Integrity and Accountability: We are committed to operating with transparency and holding ourselves accountable for our actions.
* Encouraging Reporting: We encourage individuals and volunteers to come forward with serious concerns, as their insights are crucial for our continuous improvement.
* Non-Retaliation: No individual or volunteer who reports a concern in good faith will experience harassment, discrimination, or any negative consequence as a result of their report.
* Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, consistent with the need for a thorough investigation.
* Good Faith: Reports must be made in good faith, based on a reasonable belief that a serious concern or violation has occurred. Maliciously false reports are not covered by this policy.
* Prompt Action: All reported concerns will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted.
4. No Retaliation
Family Promise of Puget Sound strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual or volunteer who, in good faith, reports a serious concern under this policy.
* Protection: Individuals or volunteers who report concerns in good faith shall not suffer any adverse action from FPOPS staff, other volunteers, or leadership, including but not limited to:
* Denial of services or program participation (for individuals).
* Exclusion from volunteer opportunities or termination of volunteer status (for volunteers).
* Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.
* Negative references or impacts on future involvement with FPOPS.
* Consequences for Retaliation: Any FPOPS employee, volunteer, or director found to have engaged in retaliation against a individual or volunteer who reported a concern in good faith will be subject to serious disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service, or removal from their position.
* Purpose: This policy is designed to assure individuals and volunteers that they can raise serious concerns internally within FPOPS without fear of negative repercussions to their relationship with the organization.
5. Reporting Serious Concerns Procedure
While minor complaints or personal disagreements should be directed to the existing Grievance Policy, serious concerns should be reported as follows:
* Method of Reporting: Concerns can be reported in writing (using a dedicated form available from FPOPS staff or online, if applicable), by email, or verbally. If reporting verbally, FPOPS staff can assist in documenting the report.
* Initial Contact (Preferred):
* For Volunteers: Volunteers are encouraged to discuss serious concerns with their volunteer coordinator or direct supervisor.
* For Individuals: Individuals are encouraged to discuss serious concerns with their case manager or program director.
* Alternative Contacts: If a individual or volunteer is not comfortable speaking with their initial contact, or if the concern involves their initial contact, they are encouraged to report their concern to:
* FPOPS CEO: Via phone at 253-444-4563, email at ceo@fpops.org
* President of the FPOPS Board of Directors: If the concern involves the CEO, or if the individual/volunteer is not comfortable speaking with the CEO, they may submit their concern directly to the Board President. Mailing: “Attention: Board President”, PO 1203 Spanway WA 98387.
* Assistance with Reporting: FPOPS staff are responsible for assisting any individual or volunteer who needs help understanding this policy or completing a report form. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
* Anonymity/Confidentiality: Reports may be submitted on a confidential basis, where the identity of the reporter is known only to the investigator(s), or may be submitted anonymously, if preferred. FPOPS will make every effort to protect the identity of the complainant, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation. Absolute anonymity cannot be guaranteed if the nature of the information provided makes it impossible.
6. Handling of Reported Concerns
Upon receipt of a serious concern reported under this policy:
* Acknowledgement: If the report was not anonymous, FPOPS will acknowledge receipt of the concern within five (5) business days.
* Investigation: All reports will be promptly and thoroughly investigated in a fair, objective, and impartial manner. This may involve speaking with the complainant, relevant FPOPS personnel, and any other individuals with knowledge of the concern.
* Corrective Action: Appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation’s findings.
* Communication of Outcome: While specific disciplinary actions involving FPOPS personnel are confidential, FPOPS will communicate the general outcome of the investigation to the complainant, where appropriate and permissible, consistent with privacy and confidentiality requirements.
7. Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a report under this policy must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a1 serious concern or violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and are found to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious breach of trust and may result in appropriate action, which could include:
* Termination of individual program participation (for individuals).
* Termination of volunteer service (for volunteers).
8. Policy Review and Revision
This policy will be reviewed annually by the FPOPS Board of Directors, or more frequently as needed, to ensure its continued relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with best practices and legal requirements. Any revisions will be communicated to individuals and volunteers.