Whistleblower Policy

Written By Julia Keleher

 

First State Educate (FSE) Whistleblower Policy (2025)

Approved September 21, 2025

 

Purpose

First State Educate (“FSE”) is committed to lawful, ethical, and accountable conduct in all of its operations. This Whistleblower Policy is designed to encourage and protect individuals who report suspected misconduct, violations of law or regulation, financial impropriety, misuse of funds, or other unethical behavior in connection with FSE’s activities. The policy ensures that no one who makes a good faith report is subject to retaliation, harassment, or adverse consequences.

 

Covered Persons

This policy applies to all FSE board members, officers, employees, interns, consultants, and volunteers (“Covered Persons”).

 

Reporting Responsibility

Covered Persons are expected to report in good faith any concerns about:

  • Violations of federal, state, or local law;

  • Fraud, theft, or financial mismanagement;

  • Misuse of FSE resources or donor funds;

  • Conflicts of interest not properly disclosed or managed;

  • Ethical violations or breaches of FSE’s policies.

 

Reporting Process

  • Reports may be submitted verbally or in writing to the Executive Director.

  • If the concern involves the Executive Director, reports may be directed to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

  • Reports may also be submitted anonymously, although anonymity may limit FSE’s ability to fully investigate.

 

Investigation

  • All reports will be taken seriously and promptly investigated.

  • The Executive Director or Board Chair (or a designated committee) will oversee investigations.

  • Confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the need to investigate and address the issue.

 

No Retaliation

  • FSE strictly prohibits retaliation against any Covered Person who makes a good faith report under this policy.

  • Retaliation includes dismissal, demotion, harassment, threats, or other adverse actions.

  • Any person found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or removal from the Board.

 

 

Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a report must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing that the information disclosed indicates a violation. Allegations that prove to be unfounded but were made in good faith will not be subject to discipline. However, reports made with malicious intent or knowingly false allegations may result in disciplinary action.

 

Documentation

All reports, investigation findings, and actions taken will be documented and retained according to FSE’s recordkeeping policies.

 

Julia Keleher
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Document Retention Policy