ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The United States Bartenders Guild (the “Organization”) 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 Organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
ARTICLE II
POLICY
Reporting Responsibility
This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that the Organization 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 Organization’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern the Organization’s operations.
No Retaliation
No one 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 Organization 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.
Reporting Procedure
Employees, directors, volunteers, and officers are encouraged, in good faith, to report to a supervisor, manager, Executive Director, or Board Chair, any violations of law or policy, any financial irregularities, and any other suspected wrongdoing or conduct, including any attempts to conceal any such conduct, that could damage the Organization’s good name, interests, and relationships with supporters and the community at large. Complaints may be submitted via email to compliance@usbg.org.
Financial Compliance
The Organization’s Executive Director or Board Chair is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. One of these two persons will advise the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Organization’s Executive Director or Board Chair shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
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. Anyone who makes allegations in bad faith or without any reasonable basis, and which allegations prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false may be subject to discipline.
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.
Investigation and Handling of Reported Violations
The Executive Director or the Organization’s Board Chair 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. A record of all material complaints and concerns shall be maintained.