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Listen Up is used by many non-profit organizations.
To do our part to help out in these challenging times, we at Syrus will deeply discount our Listen Up™ confidential reporting services for charitable not-for-profit organizations through April, 2009.
The newly redesigned tax Form 990, which is effective for non-profit and tax-exempt filings after January 1, 2009, includes the question:
Does the organization have a written whistleblower policy?
Our pre-packaged solution includes everything you need to reply "yes" to this question:
- A written whistleblower policy in Word format, customizable to your organization
- A safe, independent mechanism for employees, volunteers, trustees and other partners to report violations or concerns
- Web submission site, toll-free phone and/or written letter options (choose what is right for you)
- Publicity which you may print and post to notify people about the service
- Posters, brochures, and content for inclusion in your code of conduct
- A web-based system for responding to submitters and tracking cases
- The consultation required to assure good governance in this respect
We have provided our Listen Up service to not-for-profits since 2003. It is reliable and straightforward, with client professionals available to serve you.
Beginning the Process
The most forward-thinking leaders and board members of not-for-profit institutions are already aware of the benefits of having an anonymous reporting mechanism. We suggest this plan of action:
1. Your board should learn what current procedures might already be in place for receiving and managing anonymous submissions. Often the audit committee of the board is tasked with determining whether the established processes are sufficient.
2. Next, you'll need to determine a process that is appropriate for your specific organization. The most fundamental decision to be made at this point is whether to choose an internal versus external hotline service. History confirms time and again that internal mechanisms are not trusted and are therefore not used.
3. The proposed solution should be presented to the full board, and each trustee or director should make it their business to know its key features.
- Who would be chiefly responsible?
- How would checks and balances be built into the process?
- In what circumstances would submissions be directed to the board?
- What metrics would the board be presented with, and how frequently?
- How would employees and partners be made aware of the existence of this service?
The single most important requirement of your plan will be that your employees, volunteers and other partners trust that the people listening to them will protect their identity and keep them safe.
Listen Up was built from the ground up to help you execute your ethics reporting plan. We provide a virtual "hotline in a box" comprehensive solution set, so that you can easily choose the elements that best serve your needs, and then quickly get back to the important work you do for the world.
SYRUS GLOBAL IS PLEASED TO OFFER NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS A DEEP DISCOUNT ON LISTEN UP ETHICS SERVICES. Contact Us.
"We must give lengthy deliberation to what has to be decided once and for all."
Publilius Syrus
100 B.C.
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