Vet Info Whistleblower Policy
Vet Info 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 Vet Info, 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 Vet Info 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 Vet Info’s code of ethics or suspected violations of laws or regulations that govern Vet Info operations.
No Retaliation
It is contrary to the values of Vet Info 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 Vet Info. 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
Vet Info has an open-door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisor’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Compliance Officer, Bill Watts. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to Vet Info’s Compliance Officer, who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing directly to their supervisor or Compliance Officer.
Compliance Officer
Vet Info’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance Officer 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
Vet Info’s Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the Treasurer of any concerns or complaints 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. 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 confidentially 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
Vet Info’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.
Bill Watts
Compliance Officer
Vet Info Inc.
11042 NW 53rd Lane
Doral, FL 33178
Bill@vetinfo.org
866-465-8387
