Whistleblower Policy

The purpose of this Whistleblower Policy is to ensure that all ACPE and ACPE Foundation leadership, members, and staff carry out their duties in accordance with all applicable association policies, code of ethics, and standards, as well as all U.S. laws and regulations. And, that a structure is available for reporting of misconduct with protection from any means of retaliation.

This policy applies to all leadership, members, volunteers and staff of ACPE and the ACPE Foundation, as well as any affiliated groups, including regional and network leadership, volunteers, and members.

ACPE/ACPE Foundation have adopted association-wide standards, code of ethics, and other policies that govern all individuals and activities while performing services for or on behalf of the association. ACPE/ACPE Foundation leadership, volunteers, members, and staff are expected to abide by and conform to all applicable standards, code of ethics, and policies. These standards, codes and policies apply to all activities, including, but not limited to representation of the association(s), and/or participating in a leadership role, a program, or event of the associations(s).

Members of the ACPE/ACPE Foundation community should report any suspected violations or questionable matters concerning conflicts-of-interest; fraud; embezzlement; non-compliance with policies/regulations; financial or billing matters non-compliance; theft; or association policy violations, including but not limited to violations of this policy by contacting, via email or talking directly with, the Board Chair, Executive Director, or an office manager of the ACPE/ACPE Foundation.

The leadership member who receives reports of allegations shall contact the appropriate ACPE/ACPE Foundation unit responsible for the subject matter area of the underlying report, which unit shall then review the allegations and conduct any necessary inquiry.

Depending on the allegations involved, the inquiry may be conducted in accordance with applicable policies that prescribe specific inquiry/investigation processes or procedures. For example, if the allegations concern ethical treatment misconduct, the inquiry/investigation process outlined in ACPE’s Professional Ethics Manual will be followed.

The association strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals, who in good faith, report accounting/auditing irregularities or fraud, or cooperate with the investigation of alleged accounting/auditing irregularities or fraud; and individuals, who in good faith, report misconduct, violations of policies or regulations.

Violations of this policy by any individual, including violations of any of the underlying policies referenced herein, may result in disciplinary actions or sanctions by appropriate ACPE/ ACPE Foundation administrators, up to and including termination of position, revoking of membership, and/or legal action.

In addition to the above criteria for reporting, ACPE/ ACPE Foundation employees have access to Emory University’s Trust Line process. More information regarding the Trust Line and Trust Line training materials can be found at http://iad.emory.edu/compliance/trustline/index.html.