Whistleblower Policy
The Berthoud Community Library District (BCLD) is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct through open communication. Accordingly, all trustees, employees and volunteers (Stakeholders) are required to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, and must faithfully implement and adhere to BCLD’s own policies in conducting their duties and responsibilities.
Reporting Responsibility:
This policy is intended to encourage and enable Stakeholders to raise serious concerns internally so that BCLD can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all Stakeholders to report concerns about violations of BCLD’s policies or suspected violations of law that govern BCLD operations.
Protection Against Retaliation:
It is contrary to the values of BCLD for anyone to retaliate against any Stakeholder who reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law. Any Stakeholder who reports known or suspected violation(s) in good faith and has reasonable grounds for reporting shall not suffer intimidation, harassment, discrimination or other retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment action.
Reporting Procedures:
BCLD has an Open Door policy, outlining Stakeholder responsibility to discuss work concerns frankly and professionally through the chain of command. However, Stakeholders who reasonably believe that some activity of BCLD is in violation of its ethics, policies or applicable law, are required to file that complaint in writing on the Whistleblower Reporting Form (see Appendix) directly with BCLD’s Compliance Officer.
Adopted 12/9/2020
Revised 8/9/2023; 7/8/2026
Reporting Procedures:
BCLD encourages Stakeholders to discuss work concerns frankly and professionally through the chain of command. However, Stakeholders may file that complaint in writing on the Whistleblower Reporting Form (see Appendix) directly with BCLD’s Compliance Officer.
Confidentiality:
Handling of Reported Violations:
BCLD’s Compliance Officer will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the violation report. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Compliance Officer:
BCLD’s Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Board President acts as the Compliance Officer. Should the Board President be the subject of the complaint, then
the remaining members of the board shall appoint another trustee to perform the Compliance Officer’s role regarding the allegations. The Compliance Officer will advise the Library CEO and the Board of Trustees of all complaints and their resolution, during an Executive session of the Board.