Addendum to Personnel Policy/North Shore Public Library
1. General
The North Shore Public Library requires that directors, officers, employees and volunteers meet the highest standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As representatives of the Library, directors, officers, employees and volunteers will be expected to practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling responsibilities and complying with all applicable policies, laws
and regulations.
2. Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the directors, officers, employees and volunteers to report violations and/or suspected violations of law or policy in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.
3. No Retaliation
Section 715-B of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law prohibits retaliatory action for reporting a violation of law, rule or regulation, for which the person reasonably believes constitutes a violation. No directors, officers, employees or volunteers who in good faith report a violation are to suffer harassment or retaliation; nor will he or she if employed suffer an adverse employment consequence. A director, officer, employee or volunteer who retaliates against one who has reported a violation in good faith will be subject to discipline or sanction. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable directors, officers, employees and volunteers to raise concerns within the Library pertaining to alleged violations of policy, law or regulations.
4. Reporting Violations
The Library recommends that officers, employees and volunteers share their questions, concerns or complaints with a superior who can address them properly. ln most cases, the officer’s, employee’s or volunteer’s supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, if the officer, employee or volunteer determines not to confer with his or her supervisor, the director, officer, employee or volunteer may confer with one of the administrative staff. A Director’s concern relating to an alleged violation should be raised before the entire board. Supervisors are required to report alleged violations to the Library Director and fill out the North Shore Public Library Complaint form. The Library Director possesses specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations and is required to report to the Board of Trustees regarding compliance matters. If the Director is a party to the alleged violation of law or policy, the whistle blower may approach the President, of the Library Board of Trustees.
5. Accounting and Auditing Matters
The Board of Trustees shall address all reported concerns and complaints regarding the Library’s accounting practices, internal controls and auditing. The Library Director shall immediately notify the Board of Trustees of any such complaint and shall collaborate with the Board until the matter is resolved.
6. Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing that the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegation that proves to be false or unsubstantiated, and which proves to have been made maliciously or knowingly, will be viewed as a serious offense requiring disciplinary action or sanction.
7. 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.
8. Handling Reported Violations
The Library Director will acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five (5) business days.